Patients' experiences of abuse in health care: a Nordic study on prevalence and associated factors in gynecological patients.

Background: In an earlier Swedish study conducted with The NorVold Abuse Questionnaire, we found that one-third of female patients who had experienced adult abuse in health care (AAHC) had a background of childhood emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse (EPSA) ('revictimised'). But since the majority of women with AAHC were 'new victims' without such a background, there might be other factors associated with AAHC. The present study aimed to map prevalence of abuse in health care (AHC), and associated variables among new victims and revictimised patients.

Lower urinary tract symptoms after total and subtotal hysterectomy: results of a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this Danish multicenter trial was to compare the proportion of women with lower urinary tract symptoms after total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and subtotal abdominal hysterectomy (SAH) for benign uterine disorders. A total of 319 women were randomized to TAH (n = 158) or SAH (n = 161). Women were followed up for 1 year by strict data collection procedures, including postal questionnaires.

Genitoanal injury in adult female victims of sexual assault.

Objectives: To evaluate the presence and extFent of genitoanal injury among sexually assaulted women and to estimate the risk of injury in subgroups according to the type of assault and to the sexually assaulted women's susceptibility to injury.

Study Design: A case-control study of 249 women exposed to sexual assault. Injury identified by gross visualization.

A history of sexual abuse and health: a Nordic multicentre study.

Objectives: To determine if a history of sexual abuse is associated with objective and subjective indicators of health and if certain abusive incidents had a stronger impact on health than others.

Design: A cross-sectional, multicentre study.

Setting: Five gynaecological departments in the five Nordic countries.

Sexuality after total vs. subtotal hysterectomy.

Background: The effect of hysterectomy on sexuality is not fully elucidated and until recently total and subtotal hysterectomies have only been compared in observational studies.

Aims: To compare total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) to subtotal abdominal hysterectomy (SAH) regarding effects on sexuality.

Methods: In a Danish multicenter trial 319 women were randomized to TAH (n = 158) or SAH (n = 161); 185 women had self-selected TAH (n = 80) or SAH (n = 105) in a simultaneously conducted observational study.

Women's experiences of the gynecologic examination: factors associated with discomfort.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate how women experience the gynecologic examination and to assess possible factors associated with experiencing discomfort during the gynecologic examination.

Methods: Consecutive patients visiting the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Glostrup County Hospital, Denmark, were invited to participate in the study, and received a postal questionnaire that included questions about the index visit, obstetric and gynecologic history and sexual abuse history. The response rate was 80% (n = 798).

Adult victims of sexual assault: acute medical response and police reporting among women consulting a center for victims of sexual assault.

Background: The medical response to adult sexual assault should comprise: the collection of forensic evidence, the treatment of injuries, and follow-up counselling. In the past, victims of sexual assault reporting directly to the police may not have received this total medical care. The Copenhagen Center for Victims of Sexual Assault at Rigshospitalet, Denmark offers a 24-h service.

[Sexually transmitted infections and sexual violence against women. Guidelines for examination, prophylactic treatment and follow-up].

Based upon a literature search, but also considering the situation in Denmark, guidelines for examination, prophylactic treatment and follow-up of female victims of sexual assault have been prepared. A pragmatic attitude, looking upon the victim's situation and fear of having acquired a sexually transmitted infection, has been prevailing in order to avoid unnecessary examinations and treatments. The guidelines are directed towards female victims in whom the assault has included vaginal, oral, and/or anal penetration or attempt of penetration.