Baseline Psycho-Social Health Needs among Rape Survivors: A Community–based Interventional Study in Kenya

Abstract

The study assessed the psychosocial health needs and satisfaction with post rape services among survivors immediately after rape.

Objective: To assess the baseline psycho-social health needs among rape survivors presenting in Thika and Naivasha Public Health Hospitals in Kiambu and Nakuru counties respectively.

Methods and Design: A prospective quasi experimental study. Population: 410 rape survivors were prospectively recruited consecutively in the two study sites from April 2012-February 2013. 138 (33.7%) rape survivors were recruited in intervention site where Intense Community Lay Rape Trauma Counseling (ICLRTC) intervention was given, while 272 (66.3%) survivors recruited in the control site where survivors received standard post rape care.

Procedures: Raped survivors presented to the hospital. After assessment and treatment by a clinician the survivors were referred to Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC) for trauma counselling. The assessment was carried out by Trauma Counselors with counseling experience ranging from 3-8 years. Measures were made on independent variables-basic demographic information (variables which does not change or which remain constant in the process of interaction; and dependent variables (variables which are manipulated and change during the process of interaction) depression, secondary traumatic stress, self blame and  shame.

Data analysis: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Persons’ chi square, odds ratio and P value were used to measure for similarity or differences between the two study groups at baseline.

Results: In the older age group ‘medication and counselling’ (p=0.014) in 59 (53.6%) survivors was significant and different between the two study groups. In the younger age group ‘medication and counselling’ (p=0.011) in 13 (54.2%) survivors, ‘medication and check-up’ (p=0.046) in 8 (33.3%) survivors were significant and different between the two study groups. In both age groups there was a significant difference between the two study groups in ‘dissatisfaction with the way handled by police’ (p=0.007).

Conclusion: Priority need immediately post rape was ‘medication and counseling’. At baseline survivors were dissatisfied with the way police handled them.

Keywords: sexual abuse, post rape support, service providers, help-seeking, reporting/disclosure