Digital Commons Network^™

Forensic Evidence Preservation Following An Incident Of Rape: The Role Of The Victim, Anthonio Oladele Adefuye, Chika K. Egenasi, Matthew A. Benedict

Faculty Publications

Background: Rape has a high prevalence in South Africa. The collection of credible and valid forensic evidence is a key legal factor that impacts case trial outcomes. Victim behaviour around the time of the rape can impact the collection and the integrity of forensic evidence, and can have a direct effect on case progression and conviction. Despite the importance of victim behaviour, few studies have been done on the role of victims in preserving forensic evidence. This article discusses how common personal hygiene practices undertaken by rape victims after being raped can impact the quality and validity of forensic evidence. …

Epidemiological Pattern Of Rape Cases Managed At A Regional Hospital In South Africa, Chika K. Egenasi, Matthew A. Benedict, Anthonio Oladele Adefuye, Lynda U. Madu

Faculty Publications

Background: South Africa has one of the highest incidences of rape globally. Understanding the epidemiological pattern of rape is needed to inform the design of effective intervention programmes for rape prevention and management of alleged rape cases.

Aims: To investigate important epidemiological patterns associated with rape in Kimberly, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.

Setting: The Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH) forensic unit.

Methods: A descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional clinical audit of rape cases.

Results: The majority (93.3%) of the alleged rape victims were women, with a mean age (SD) of 21.6 years (11.3); the male population made up 6.7% of the …

Hirschsprung Disease: A Literacy Analysis Of Patient Information, April L. Baum, Anh Nguyen, Michael J. Valentine, Larissa Vollin, Caleb Mcnab, Carol E. Kirila

Faculty Publications

Objective: Hirschsprung disease in newborns can be a potentially life-threatening condition, with risks for complications such as Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis. Accessing health information in a readable format for complex diseases demonstrates an important outlet for families to address concerns. While it is important to seek out information from trusted providers, many individuals seek out ways to educate themselves further by using common search engines and turning to the internet. This article will evaluate the readability of relevant articles on Hirschsprung disease and information accessibility to the average health literacy individual.

Methods: A readability analysis of the first 20 Google search results …