HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS’ PERCEPTION OF PHYSICAL HEALTHEFFECTS OF RAPE AND INTERVENTIONS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALSIN ILORIN METROPOLIS

Abstract

Rape, a form of sexual assault involving non-consensual sexual penetration, predisposesvictims to severe health risks and psychological distress. This study investigated thehealthcare professionals’ perception of physical health effects of rape and interventions inGovernment Hospitals in Ilorin Metropolis. Specifically, it examined STIs/ HIV andpregnancy as perceived physical health effects, STIs/HIV screening, and administration oforal contraceptives as professional interventions. A descriptive survey design wasemployed. The population comprised healthcare professionals in government hospitals,including doctors, nurses, community health extension workers, health educators, andgender-based violence personnel directly involved in rape victim management. Using amultistage sampling procedure, 378 respondents were selected. Data were collectedthrough a validated and reliable questionnaire. Inferential statistics of Chi-Square testedhypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that STIs/ HIV and pregnancyare significantly perceived as physical health effects of rape; while STIs/HIV screeningand administration of oral contraceptives are significantly health-care professionalinterventions for post rape management. The study concluded that rape victims oftenexperience severe physical effects, and healthcare professionals play a critical role inmanaging these outcomes through medical and psychosocial interventions. It recommendsthat healthcare professionals should incorporate routine pregnancy testing andcounselling services into post-rape management programs to address survivors’ fears ofpregnancy, provide necessary follow-up care, and support decision-making aboutreproductive health.