Women's post-rape experiences with Guatemalan health services

Health Care Women Int. 2019 Mar;40(3):278-294. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2018.1545230. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

Abstract

We conducted a qualitative study to examine the critical pathways of 23 women survivors of sexual assault who navigated health care-based services in six states in Guatemala. We also captured the components of quality health care that were important to them, including the experience of the waiting room, being able to make active decisions, providing informed consent, and receiving emotional support. Our results from the in-depth, semi-structured interviews indicate the importance of creating and strengthening mechanisms for social support and trauma-informed, competent, and sensitive health services to accompany women as they move toward rebuilding their lives post-sexual violence.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Female
  • Guatemala
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Qualitative Research
  • Rape / psychology*
  • Social Support
  • Survivors / psychology*
  • Young Adult