The recently published article, Chacko L, Ford N, Sbaiti M, Siddiqui
R. Adherence to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in victims of sexual
assault: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Sex Transm Infect
doi:10.1136/sextrans-2011-050371, contributes greatly to our understanding
of the extent of poor adherence to post-exposure prophylaxis in victims
of sexual assault. It also clarifies the percentage of such patients
defaulting from care. The article illustrates how victims of sexual
assault fail to adhere to guidelines for prevention of HIV infection1.
Sadler AG, Mengeling MA, Syrop CH, Torner JC, Booth BM. Lifetime
Sexual Assault and Cervical Cytological Abnormalities Among Military
Women. Journal of Women's Health;20(11):1693-1701, revealed that female
victims of military sexual trauma have increased risk of cervical
cytological abnormalities. This increased gynecological health risk factor
requires vigilance in long-term screening to prevent poor future
outcomes. The adherence of women Veterans for cervical cancer screening is
imperative for their future welfare2,3.
The recent publication, Chacko L, Ford N, Sbaiti M, Siddiqui R.
Adherence to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in victims of sexual assault: a
systematic review and meta-analysis, Sex Transm Infect
doi:10.1136/sextrans-2011-050371,thus reflects the poor adherence of
victims of sexual assault in the prevention of HIV infection1.
Up to 40% of female Veterans may have experienced military sexual
trauma, putting them at risk for cervical cytological abnormalities. It is
therefore clear that female Veterans, many of whom have experienced sexual
assault while in the military,would benefit from preventive care2-4.
Chacko L, et al. reinforce that victims of sexual assault need
support and encouragement to seek the medical care they require.
VA applauds such authors in clarifying the needs of those who have
experienced sexual assault and make it evident that these victims require
much support and help. VA hopes to provide the required support to victims
of sexual assault.1,3.
1. Chacko L, Ford N, Sbaiti M, Siddiqui R. Adherence to HIV post
-exposure prophylaxis in victims of sexual assault: a systematic review
and meta-analysis, Sex Transm Infect doi:10.1136/sextrans-2011-050371.
2. Sadler AG, Mengeling MA, Syrop CH, Torner JC, Booth BM. Lifetime
Sexual Assault and Cervical Cytological Abnormalities Among Military
Women. Journal of Women's Health;20(11):1693-1701.
3. Lutwak N. The Need for Gynecological Follow-Up Among Women
Veterans: The Association of Sexual Assault and Abnormal Cervical
Cytology. Journal of Women's Health; 2012;21(3).
4. Kelly UA, Skelton K, Patel M, Bradley B. More Than Military Sexual
Trauma: Interpersonal Violence, PTSD, and Mental Health in Women Veterans.
Research in Nursing and Health.2011;34(6):457-467.
Conflict of Interest:
None declared
The recently published article, Chacko L, Ford N, Sbaiti M, Siddiqui R. Adherence to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in victims of sexual assault: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Sex Transm Infect doi:10.1136/sextrans-2011-050371, contributes greatly to our understanding of the extent of poor adherence to post-exposure prophylaxis in victims of sexual assault. It also clarifies the percentage of such patients defaulting from care. The article illustrates how victims of sexual assault fail to adhere to guidelines for prevention of HIV infection1.
Sadler AG, Mengeling MA, Syrop CH, Torner JC, Booth BM. Lifetime Sexual Assault and Cervical Cytological Abnormalities Among Military Women. Journal of Women's Health;20(11):1693-1701, revealed that female victims of military sexual trauma have increased risk of cervical cytological abnormalities. This increased gynecological health risk factor requires vigilance in long-term screening to prevent poor future outcomes. The adherence of women Veterans for cervical cancer screening is imperative for their future welfare2,3.
The recent publication, Chacko L, Ford N, Sbaiti M, Siddiqui R. Adherence to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in victims of sexual assault: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Sex Transm Infect doi:10.1136/sextrans-2011-050371,thus reflects the poor adherence of victims of sexual assault in the prevention of HIV infection1.
Up to 40% of female Veterans may have experienced military sexual trauma, putting them at risk for cervical cytological abnormalities. It is therefore clear that female Veterans, many of whom have experienced sexual assault while in the military,would benefit from preventive care2-4.
Chacko L, et al. reinforce that victims of sexual assault need support and encouragement to seek the medical care they require.
VA applauds such authors in clarifying the needs of those who have experienced sexual assault and make it evident that these victims require much support and help. VA hopes to provide the required support to victims of sexual assault.1,3.
1. Chacko L, Ford N, Sbaiti M, Siddiqui R. Adherence to HIV post -exposure prophylaxis in victims of sexual assault: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Sex Transm Infect doi:10.1136/sextrans-2011-050371. 2. Sadler AG, Mengeling MA, Syrop CH, Torner JC, Booth BM. Lifetime Sexual Assault and Cervical Cytological Abnormalities Among Military Women. Journal of Women's Health;20(11):1693-1701. 3. Lutwak N. The Need for Gynecological Follow-Up Among Women Veterans: The Association of Sexual Assault and Abnormal Cervical Cytology. Journal of Women's Health; 2012;21(3). 4. Kelly UA, Skelton K, Patel M, Bradley B. More Than Military Sexual Trauma: Interpersonal Violence, PTSD, and Mental Health in Women Veterans. Research in Nursing and Health.2011;34(6):457-467.
Conflict of Interest:
None declared