Comparison of the Clinical Profile of Prepubertal versus Pubertal Female Child Sexual Abuse in a Tertiary Hospital
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Acta Medica Philippina
Abstract
Objective. This study aimed to compare the clinical profile of prepubertal and pubertal female child sexual abuse.
Methods. A cross-sectional analytical study involving 43 sexually abused children was done. Each patient was categorized as prepubertal or pubertal based on the Tanner stage. Medical history was gathered using a structured interview and physical examination done with proper documentation after obtaining consent. Blind review by child protection specialists was done on genital images. Descriptive statistics were utilized for all variables.
Results. This study showed 11.97% and 22.22% prevalence for prepubertal and pubertal child sexual abuse, respectively. Most prepubertal children disclosed digital vaginal penetration by the father and non-relative household members, while most pubertal children reported penile-vaginal penetration by the boyfriend. Fondling was common to both groups. The majority were repeated abuse and usually happened at the perpetrator’s house. Behavioral changes and genital symptoms were common in prepubertal children. Findings of hymenal trauma were found in 25% of prepubertal girls and half of the pubertal adolescents. The interobserver variability of these hymenal findings was fair. The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was low, none for the prepubertal children, and only 6% of the adolescent had STI, which was Hepatitis B.
Conclusion. The clinical profile of sexually abused prepubertal children differed from that of pubertal adolescents. There was a higher incidence of hymenal trauma and STIs in adolescents.
Description
item.page.type
Article
item.page.format
Keywords
child sexual abuse, International Resources, Philippines, hospital, abuse profile
Citation
Bombase, C. L. I., Neri, R. J. P., & Castro, L. A. (2022). Comparison of the Clinical Profile of Prepubertal versus Pubertal Female Child Sexual Abuse in a Tertiary Hospital. Acta Medica Philippina, 56(15).