SUAC0201 | Study on Rate of Sexual Violence and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Initiation among Rape Survivors in selected Hospitals in Plateau State, Nigeria

Elizabeth Isah, Plangnan Daniel, Olubunmi Amoo, Stephanie Iyorlaha, Plang Jwanle, Ifeyinwa Onwuatuelo, Jay Osi Samuel, Prosper Okonkwo | ¹APIN Public Health Initiatives, Abuja, Nigeria; ²APIN Public Health Initiatives of Nigeria, Jos, Nigeria

Rape survivors, both male and female, face risks of sexual violence, with heightened risks observed among females. Timely access to Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is critical to prevent HIV infection. This study evaluated sexual violence rates and PEP initiation among male and female rape survivors in Plateau State, Nigeria. This retrospective study examined PEP initiation among 137 rape survivors in Plateau State, employing data from 22 facilities across 14 local government areas over a period of 12 months. This data was sourced from the DATIM database, alongside reasons for not receiving PEP, which were obtained from the survivors by the facility's Sexual Violence Focal Persons. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data, focusing on proportions of affected males and females by age groups and PEP initiation percentages. Among 137 survivors, 96% were female and 4% male. Higher rates of sexual violence were reported among males and females aged 15-19 (50%) and 10-14 (25%), respectively. Only 103 (75%) of survivors received PEP within 72 hours post-GBV, with initiation rates differing between males 5% (5) and females (95%) (98). Reasons for non-receipt included delayed presentation for PEP after about 1-3 months of the incident (32%), incidental HIV diagnosis at PEP initiation (44%), and claims of non-penetrative sex (24%). This study shows that there are more female survivors (96%) than male survivors (4%), especially among teens and young adults. This shows how dangerous it is for women and girls. Concerns arise about the vulnerability of young individuals to such experiences, and with only 75% of survivors receiving immediate PEP, gaps in emergency medical care access are evident. Addressing barriers to PEP uptake, such as delayed presentation, requires comprehensive strategies to combat stigma and raise awareness about sexual violence. Interventions directed toward females are crucial to ensuring prompt PEP initiation and reducing long-term health consequences for vulnerable young individuals.