Robsam S Ohayi1, Euzebus C Ezugwu2, Chibuike O Chigbu3, Susan U Arinze-Onyia4, Chukwuemeka A Iyoke3. 1. Department of Pathology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria. Electronic address: ezugwueuzebus@yahoo.com. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria. 4. Department of Community Medicine, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and pattern of rape in Enugu, southeast Nigeria. METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was conducted among female survivors of rape who presented at the emergency gynecologic and/or forensic unit of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital between February 2012 and July 2013. Data were collected via a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 1374 gynecologic emergencies, there were 121 (8.8%) rape cases. The mean age of the rape survivors was 13.1±8.1 years. Ninety (74.4%) survivors were younger than 18 years. At least 72 hours had passed since the rape for 74 (61.2%) cases. The perpetrator was known to 74 (82.2%) patients younger than 18 years and 18 (58.1%) aged at least 18 years (P=0.013). The location of the rape was the bush or an uncompleted building for 36 (29.8%) and the perpetrator's residence for another 36 (29.8%). Four (3.3%) individuals became pregnant after the rape. CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of patients with gynecologic emergencies had been raped. Individuals should be encouraged to report to the hospital quickly to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and pattern of rape in Enugu, southeast Nigeria. METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was conducted among female survivors of rape who presented at the emergency gynecologic and/or forensic unit of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital between February 2012 and July 2013. Data were collected via a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 1374 gynecologic emergencies, there were 121 (8.8%) rape cases. The mean age of the rape survivors was 13.1±8.1 years. Ninety (74.4%) survivors were younger than 18 years. At least 72 hours had passed since the rape for 74 (61.2%) cases. The perpetrator was known to 74 (82.2%) patients younger than 18 years and 18 (58.1%) aged at least 18 years (P=0.013). The location of the rape was the bush or an uncompleted building for 36 (29.8%) and the perpetrator's residence for another 36 (29.8%). Four (3.3%) individuals became pregnant after the rape. CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of patients with gynecologic emergencies had been raped. Individuals should be encouraged to report to the hospital quickly to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Authors: Leonard Ogbonna Ajah; Monique Iheoma Ajah; Benjamin Okorie Ajah; Emeka Ogah Onwe; Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba; Chukwuemeka Anthony Iyoke; Theophilus Ogochukwu Nwankwo; Oguejiofo C P Ezeanya Journal: Heliyon Date: 2022-02-02