@article{ref1,
title="Medium-term health and social outcomes in adolescents following sexual assault: a prospective mixed-methods cohort study",
journal="Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology",
year="2021",
author="Clarke, Venetia and Goddard, Andrea and Wellings, Kaye and Hirve, Raeena and Casanovas, Marta and Bewley, Susan and Viner, Russell and Kramer, Tami and Khadr, Sophie",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="PURPOSE: To describe medium-term physical and mental health and social outcomes following adolescent sexual assault, and examine users' perceived needs and experiences. <br><br>METHOD: Longitudinal, mixed methods cohort study of adolescents aged 13-17 years recruited within 6 weeks of sexual assault (study entry) and followed to study end, 13-15 months post-assault. <br><br>RESULTS: 75/141 participants were followed to study end (53% retention; 71 females) and 19 completed an in-depth qualitative interview. Despite many participants accessing support services, 54%, 59% and 72% remained at risk for depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders 13-15 months post-assault. Physical symptoms were reported more frequently. Persistent (> 30 days) absence from school doubled between study entry and end, from 22 to 47%. Enduring mental ill-health and disengagement from education/employment were associated with psychosocial risk factors rather than assault characteristics. Qualitative data suggested inter-relationships between mental ill-health, physical health problems and disengagement from school, and poor understanding from schools regarding how to support young people post-assault. Baseline levels of smoking, alcohol and ever drug use were high and increased during the study period (only significantly for alcohol use). <br><br>CONCLUSION: Adolescents presenting after sexual assault have high levels of vulnerability over a year post-assault. Many remain at risk for mental health disorders, highlighting the need for specialist intervention and ongoing support. A key concern for young people is disruption to their education. Multi-faceted support is needed to prevent social exclusion and further widening of health inequalities in this population, and to support young people in their immediate and long-term recovery.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0933-7954",
doi="10.1007/s00127-021-02127-4",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00127-021-02127-4"
}