Sexually Transmitted Infections in Children and Adolescents Who Are Victims of Sexual Violence: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Challenges for Healthcare Services

Abstract : Sexual violence against children and adolescents is a global public health issue with far-reaching impacts on the victims’ physical, psychological, and social health. One important but often overlooked physical health consequence is the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Children and adolescents who are victims of sexual violence are in a very vulnerable condition for contracting STIs due to power imbalances, limited ability to give consent, and delays in obtaining adequate medical examinations and services. This article aims to comprehensively review the literature on the prevalence, types of STIs, related factors, and the implementation of screening and healthcare services for children and adolescents who are victims of sexual violence. The method used is a literature review of relevant international research articles, including retrospective studies, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, and clinical audits, obtained from reputable scientific databases. The review results indicate that the prevalence of STIs among children and adolescents who are victims of sexual violence varies across studies, with the most frequently reported types of STIs including Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, syphilis, Mycoplasma genitalium, human papillomavirus, and HIV. The factors most consistently associated with STIs include adolescent age, female sex, sexual violence with penetration, repeated violence, commercial sexual exploitation, and delayed medical examination after the incident. Additionally, this review identifies significant gaps in the implementation of STI screening, medical follow-up, and the continuity of healthcare services for victims. The conclusion of this study emphasizes the importance of strengthening integrated, risk-based, and trauma-sensitive healthcare services in the management of children and adolescents who are victims of sexual violence, in order to improve early detection and prevent complications from sexually transmitted infections.