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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Most teen sexual assault survivors get STI prevention meds in the ER — but few finish them. A new study found that while ~75% of adolescent survivors received guideline-recommended STI prophylaxis in the ED, only about 35% completed the full outpatient antibiotic course. Researchers say better discharge protocols and follow-up care are urgently needed.
A new study out of a Texas pediatric emergency department reveals a troubling gap in post-sexual assault care: adolescent survivors are largely receiving STI prophylaxis in the ED, but most aren't finishing their prescribed medications at home. The retrospective study reviewed 459 patients aged 0–17 seen between 2022 and 2024, finding that while about 75% received guideline-recommended postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the ED, only 35% of those with known follow-up outcomes completed their full medication course.
The drop-off was steep — 70.6% filled their prescriptions, 58.8% started taking them, but just 35.3% finished. Researchers also flagged that nearly 1 in 5 adolescents didn't receive any trichomonas prophylaxis despite it being recommended. The study authors are calling for trauma-informed training, designated follow-up programs, and standardized discharge protocols to close these gaps.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Incomplete STI treatment after sexual assault puts vulnerable adolescents at risk for ongoing infection and transmission. These findings underscore the need for systemic changes in how EDs support survivors beyond the initial visit.
