Nonoccupational postexposure HIV prophylaxis in sexual assault programs: a survey of SANE and FNE program coordinators

Abstract

This cross-sectional study describes sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE)/forensic nurse examiner (FNE) program practices related to HIV testing, nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP), and common barriers to offering HIV testing and nPEP. A convenience sample of 174 SANE/FNE programs in the United States and Canada was drawn from the International Association of Forensic Nurses database, and program coordinators completed Web-based surveys. Three fourths of programs had nPEP policies, 31% provided HIV testing, and 63% offered nPEP routinely or upon request. Using χ(2) and Fisher's exact tests, a greater proportion of Canadian programs had an nPEP protocol (p = .010), provided HIV testing (p = .004), and offered nPEP (p = .0001) than U.S.-based programs. Program coordinators rated providing pre- and/or posttest counseling and follow-up as the most important barrier to HIV testing, and medication costs as the most important barrier to providing nPEP. Our results indicate HIV-related services are offered inconsistently across SANE/FNE programs.

Keywords: HIV post-exposure prophylaxis; forensic nursing; nonoccupational postexposure; prophylaxis; rape; sexual assault.