Objective: To assess the characteristics, treatment received, and adherence to antiretroviral prophylaxis among South African rape survivors.
Design: Record review of clients presenting to the Northdale Lifeline Rape Crisis Center between May 2003, and July 2004.
Outcome measures: Data on demographics, record of treatment received with antiretroviral prophylaxis, syndromic treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and emergency contraception were collected. Adherence to antiretroviral prophylaxis was defined by filling 4 weekly prescriptions for zidovudine and lamivudine. Results of follow-up HIV testing were recorded.
Results: A total of 390 records were reviewed. Ninety-five percent of clients accepted HIV testing at presentation, and HIV seroprevalence at presentation was 35.6%. Of the 233 clients testing HIV-negative, 198 (85%) received antiretroviral prophylaxis, 57% of whom were assessed as adherent. Only 55 clients (27.1%) returned for HIV testing at 6 weeks; 1 woman seroconverted.
Conclusions: Postrape care is an important service provided to South African women, and strategies should be developed to improve adherence to antiretroviral prophylaxis and follow-up testing.