A Survey of Pregnant Womenʹs Knowledge About Sexual Abuse

Study Objective: To assess pregnant womenʹs understanding of sexual abuse prevalence and perpetrator characteristics. Design: A multiple choice questionnaire concerning knowledge about sexual abuse prevalence and an understanding of potential perpetrators was presented to patients. Comparisons were made based on participantʹs age, educational status, and personal involvement in the care of children. Setting: Prenatal clinic, Department of OB/GYN, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee. Participants: Patients presenting for new obstetrical evaluation (N = 289). Main Outcome Measures: Responses to the questionnaire. Results: Less than half of the subjects correctly answered questions about sexual abuse prevalence. Only 22% of patients understood the potential youthfulness of juvenile sex offenders. Neither age nor child care responsibilities affected response. Subjects with greater than 12 years of formal education achieved significantly higher scores than those with less education. 59% of respondents were interested in more information. Conclusion: Pregnant womenʹs knowledge about the dangers of sexual abuse was suboptimal in this population. The majority of patients were interested in more information.