Date of Award
12-8-2023
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Amanda Gilmore
Second Advisor
Sierra Carter
Third Advisor
Cynthia Stappenbeck
Abstract
The current study evaluated the associations between pre-assault factors, assault characteristics, and multiple sexual assault medical forensic exams (SAMFEs) on emergency department visits one-year post-SAMFE. Characteristics associated with individuals who frequent the emergency department at higher rates have been well established; however, factors associated with greater emergency department visits following a recent sexual assault (SA) are largely unknown. The current study included a medical record review of 123 individuals who received a SAMFE at a hospital in the southeastern United States. Demographic variables, characteristics of the SA, pre-SA diagnoses, frequency of SAMFEs, and post-SAMFE emergency department visits were examined. Results indicated that alcohol or drug use during an assault was associated with fewer emergency department visits post-SAMFE. Substance use and injury disorders pre-SAMFE were positively associated with post-SAMFE emergency department visits. Findings provide important insight for prevention strategies to target mental and physical health concerns after recent SA to mitigate risk trajectories.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/36246517
Recommended Citation
Prince, Jessica, "Pre-Assault Diagnoses Associated with Post-Assault Emergency Department Visits After Recent Sexual Assault." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2023.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/36246517
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