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Barriers to post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) completion after rape

A South African qualitative study

Bibliographic Data

ID15099558
AuthorsNaeema Abrahams (0000-0002-6138-6256, South African Medical Research Council, corresponding author), Naeemah Abrahams, Rachel Jewkes (0000-0002-4330-6267, South African Medical Research Council)
Year2010
Volume12
Issue5
Pages471-484
Publication date2010-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueCulture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691050903556316
PMID20169481
OpenAlexW2110023878
LanguageEN
Citations received24
References cited7

Sexual violence and HIV are two serious public health problems in South Africa. Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV after rape was introduced into the South African public health services in 2002 but many questions on the completion of PEP medication remain. A qualitative study involving in-depth interviews was conducted with 29 women attending sexual assault services in an urban and a rural site to explore PEP use after rape. It showed how PEP adherence was a complex and challenging experience, with survivors experiencing disruptions in their lives and unable to adhere to the medication adequately. Only nine completed their prescribed drug regimes. Rape stigma and perceptions of rape impacted on adherence, which became a lesser priority if the rape was contested by important others. Being blamed and not receiving social support had profound psychological impact. Stigma of rape and fear of HIV played very powerful roles in debilitating women's ability to take medication to prevent HIV infection. Further research is needed to support the development of interventions that acknowledge the complex barriers to adherence of PEP after rape

Family medicine · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Public health · Qualitative research · Social stigma · Stigma (botany · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Sex work and related issues

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Unique citing works24
Citations per year1,5
Citation span2010 - 2025 (16)
Citation velocityrecent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 24
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