Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Survivors of Sexual Assault and Rape at the University Hospital Centre for Mother and Child in N'djamena (CHUME)
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Abstract
Introduction: Rape and other forms of sexual assault constitute a serious violation of survivors' physical, psychological and social integrity. The aim of this study was to examine the epidemiological and clinical aspects of survivors of sexual assault and rape treated at the University Hospital Centre for Mother and Child in N'Djamena (CHUME).
Patients and methods: This was a descriptive and analytical retrospective study conducted over a 12-month period, from 1 January to 31 December 2024, at the Integrated Centre for Multisectoral Services (CISM) of the CHU-ME in N'Djamena. All survivors who had consulted the CISM for sexual assault, regardless of type, were included. The variables studied were epidemiological (age, marital status, socio-cultural background), clinical (type of assault, physical injuries, associated symptoms) and outcome-related (complications, referral, follow-up). Data were entered using Word and Excel software and analysed using SPHINX software.
Results: The prevalence of sexual assault and rape among all cases of gender-based violence treated at the CISM was 96.4%. Survivors were aged between 2 and 15 years (83.3%), attended primary school (54.3%), lived in N'Djamena (95.7%), held the fourth, fifth or sixth rank in their family (37%), and were accompanied by their fathers (69.7%). Rape was the main form of sexual assault (96.4%), and in half of the cases (50%), the act occurred at the perpetrator's home. The majority of victims presented more than 72 hours after the rape (61.6%). On clinical examination, 89.1% no longer had an intact hymen, 73.9% showed signs of prior defloration, and 60.9% had bruising on admission. HIV serology was negative in all cases (100%); chlamydia, hepatitis B and hepatitis C serology was each positive in 0.7% of cases, and syphilis in 2.2%. Pregnancy was confirmed in 5.1% of cases. Legal proceedings were initiated against 79.7% of perpetrators.
Conclusion: Rape and other sexual assaults represent a major public health problem within the CISM at the CHU-ME in N'Djamena, where they account for the majority of gender-based violence cases treated.
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