Consultations due to suspected child and adolescent sexual abuse at the Department of Gynecology of a children's hospital: pre- and intra-COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION

It has been suggested that the social isolation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may increase the incidence of child and adolescent sexual abuse (CASA).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence and characteristics of medical consultations made to the Department of Gynecology due to CASA before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Descriptive, observational, and comparative study about suspected CASA events occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to those occurred in the previous year at a tertiary care children's hospital.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-two medical consultations due to suspected CASA were recorded; 78 before and 44 during the pandemic. In both groups, the most common reason for consultation at the hospital was an account of CASA and, at the Department of Gynecology in particular, the external genitalia examination. Most subjects had a normal physical examination. There was a higher prevalence of STI in the pandemic group. In addition, there were also more hospitalizations and police reports for victims protection in this group. The abuser was known to the victim in almost 90% of cases in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

During the pandemic, the total number of medical consultations to the Department of Gynecology decreased so the percentage of those due to suspected CASA was higher. However, the presence of severe lesions, STIs or pregnancy did not change.