Características y consecuencias de las agresiones sexuales en adolescentes consultantes en un centro de salud sexual y reproductiva

Abstract

Background: Sexual assault is a traumatic and painful event, which affects victims of both genders, across all socioeconomic levels, with serious consequences for physical, psychological, and social health. Objective: Determine the characteristics of sexual assault and its consequences in adolescents at a sexual and reproductive health center. Method: Analytic and cross-sectional study of 573 adolescents seen at a reproductive medicine center (CEMERA) in the period 2003-2010 and who reported history of sexual abuse. Patient's clinical records were reviewed to study the characteristics as well as the consequences of sexual abuse. Results: The abuse was reported as sexual abuse in 86.5% of the cases and as rape in 13.5%. In 48.5% of the cases, the aggressors were relatives of the victims. The most vulnerable group is between 5-9 of age, representing 41.2% of the cases. For 39.2% of the cases, the sexual abuse was reiterative, and in 43.4 %, the abuse took place on the victim's home. 70% of the victims told someone about the abuse; 45.9% of those revealed their abuse in a delay manner. Only 19% of victims filed a legal complaint. Of the adolescents who started voluntary sexual activity (83.3 %) a 35.4% was under de age of 15, and 11,8% reported having 3 or more sexual partners. Conclusion: A history of sexual abuse must be considered in the attention of adolescents who consult for reproductive and sexual health. The health team must be prepared to address their multiple needs.