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Attrash-Najjar A, Katz C. Child Sexual Abuse Studies in Arab Societies: A Systematic Review and Directions for Future Research. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:1300-1324. [PMID: 35044887 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211061773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Although child sexual abuse (CSA) is acknowledged as a worldwide social phenomenon, less is known about CSA within Arab societies. The current systematic literature review was designed to highlight the empirical knowledge on CSA in Arab societies. Guided by PRISMA principles, key databases were searched, with no time limit, for studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Fifty-seven studies were identified. The majority focused on the prevalence of CSA in various Arab societies around the world, with a wide range of rates reported. It is important to stress two main barriers addressed by the included studies. The first relates to the issue of taboo and the forbidden discussion of sexual content. The second is ethical, in which the researchers expressed their fear of creating emotional distress for their participants. A small group of studies examined parents' perceptions of CSA and the need for parents' involvement in the protection of their children. Another small group of studies focused on professionals' perceptions and experiences in contending with CSA, as well as their distress, conflict, and urgent need for support and guidance. The conclusions from the systematic literature review emphasized the enormous challenge of conducting studies on CSA in Arab societies and the urgent need to advance this research while also including children and adult survivors, whose perceptions and experiences are currently understudied. Moreover, the discussion stresses the need to adopt an intersectionality paradigm in future studies to advance the improvement of CSA policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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Alsalman Z, Turkistani J, Bohamad A, Alkhalaf A, Almukhtar M, Alkhalaf R, Alkhalaf B. Parents' Knowledge and Perception of Child Abuse and Neglect in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. SAUDI JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 11:235-241. [PMID: 37533662 PMCID: PMC10393094 DOI: 10.4103/sjmms.sjmms_125_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Child maltreatment is a crucial issue worldwide that has negative consequences for children and their families. Inability to distinguish between traditional corporal punishment and abuse is part of the problem. Objectives To assess parents' knowledge and perception of child maltreatment and investigate the factors that influence their awareness. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study recruited parents with at least one child aged <18 years. Data were collected using a self-administrated online questionnaire. Participants were categorized into two groups based on the median knowledge score. Results A total of 447 participants completed the questionnaire, of which 62% were female and the average age was 37 years. Almost two-thirds of the respondents (60.6%) consider child abuse and neglect (CAN) to be a common problem in Saudi Arabia. Only 53% had good knowledge of CAN, and more than one-third were unaware of the hotline number available to report any CAN. Almost half of the participants did not consider refusing childhood immunization or smoking in front of children to be a form of CAN. Logistic regression showed that higher education and family income levels were significantly associated with good knowledge (P = 0.013 and 0.003, respectively). Conclusions While most parents consider CAN to be a common problem in Saudi Arabia, they do not have adequate knowledge of what constitutes emotional abuse and neglect. These findings highlight the need for community-based education programs to increase parents and caregivers' awareness of child rights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaenb Alsalman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamela Turkistani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Bohamad
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alkhalaf
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Almukhtar
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reda Alkhalaf
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basem Alkhalaf
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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Yesodharan R, Shehata SA, Jose TT, Hagras AM, Nayak V. Medico-legal history taking from the victims of sexual assaults: the role of nurse examiners. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-022-00284-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Sexual assault examiners provides comprehensive health care to victims of sexual assault. Communication with the victim is important to collect relevant information from the victims. Ineffective communications can cause re-victimization and hamper the medico-legal evidence collection.
Main text
This article aims to orient the novice examiner and nurses to the prerequisites of medico-legal history collection, techniques of building trust, establishing rapport, ensuring privacy and confidentiality, taking consent, communicating effectively with the victims of sexual assault, and components of medico-legal history collection.
Conclusions
Novice examiners and nurses need to be trained in collecting medico-legal history and evidence. The examiners who conduct the examination should be dedicated to delivering compassionate and high-quality care to individuals who have disclosed sexual assault.
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Factors affecting reporting of suspected child maltreatment in Saudi Arabia. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 89:102371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Reported child maltreatment in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2020.100125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Hendaus MA, Al-Khuzaei AM, Samarah O, Hamad SG, Selim BA, El Ansari W. Child abuse and neglect in a rapidly developing country: Parents' perspectives. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:3053-3059. [PMID: 32984172 PMCID: PMC7491849 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_971_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To identify parental awareness and knowledge regarding child abuse and neglect in the State of Qatar. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation, the only tertiary pediatric hospital in the State of Qatar at the time of the study. Parents of children of all ages were offered a questionnaire that included demographic details, parental knowledge, and awareness of child abuse and neglect. Results: 300 questionnaires were completed (response rate = 95%). More than 70% of parents were older than 30 years of age, 60% of them were females, and 66% were college graduates. The majority of the participants stated their familiarity about child abuse, and 6% witnessed morbidity or mortality due to child abuse in the society. Despite the identified laws, only 50% of the parents were aware of laws restricting child abuse. In regards to children with special needs, only 16% of the participants agreed that disabled children are at a higher risk of abuse compared to healthy children, while 33% were neutral and 52% disagreed. In addition, one-fifth of the respondents stated that hitting is discipline, while 63% disagreed. Almost one-third of the respondents agreed that hitting hands and buttock or hitting with soft objects is acceptable form of discipline. Unexpectedly, one-quarter of participants stated that it is okay to hit a child as long as no damage incurs. As for verbal abuse, around one-third of parents stated that yelling is not a form of child abuse, and that yelling does not affect growth and development. Comparing both corporal and verbal abuse, approximately 70% of parents stated that yelling is less harmful than hitting. In terms of child neglect, around half of the respondents agreed with the statement “Leaving a child (<5 years) unattended at home is a form of neglect,” while 42% were neutral. Finally, approximately 50% of the participants believed that it is okay to depend on nannies in assisting their children in eating and using the bathroom. Conclusion: Parents residing in the State of Qatar believe that they have a good knowledge regarding child abuse and neglect. However, this study shows many deficiencies in parental knowledge of child abuse and neglect. Parents’ attitudes and perceptions are considered indispensable targets for community health intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Hendaus
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Academic General Pediatrics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Clinical Pediatrics, Weill- Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amna M Al-Khuzaei
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Academic General Pediatrics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Osama Samarah
- Pediatric Residency Program, Hamad General Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara G Hamad
- Pediatric Residency Program, Hamad General Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Basma A Selim
- Pediatric Residency Program, Hamad General Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Walid El Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Hamad General Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,School of Health and Education, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
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AlRammah AAA, Alqahtani SM, Elzubair AG, Al-Saleh SS, Syed W, Khalid AA, Al-Shammari HH. Factors associated with perceptions of child sexual abuse and lack of parental knowledge: a community-based cross-sectional study from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Ann Saudi Med 2018; 38:391-398. [PMID: 30531172 PMCID: PMC6302984 DOI: 10.5144/0256-4947.2018.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child sexual abuse (CSA) has serious consequences that can affect the physical, social and mental health of a child. In the last two decades, concern about CSA has increased around the world including Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE Evaluate factors associated with parental perceptions and knowledge of CSA. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTINGS Primary health care clinic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Simple random sampling was used to select participants. The main tool for data collection was a self-administered questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Factors associated with knowledge and perceptions of CSA. SAMPLE SIZE 400. RESULTS Most respondents (69%) had good knowledge of the signs of sexual abuse in children. For perception scores, statistically significant variables were age (P=.004), educational level (P=.005), income (P less than .001), number of wives (P=.004), number of male children (P=.021), and number of female children (P=.027). For knowledge scores, statistically significant variables were income (P=.008), number of wives (P less than .005), number of male children (P=.003) and number of female chil.dren (P less than .003). Logistic regression showed that the older age group was significantly associated with a good perception score (P less than .046). CONCLUSIONS Risk factors for parental lack of knowledge and poor perception associated with CSA are poverty and low education. Protective factors included the older parent age, size of the family and families with more than one wife. Education should be designed for parents and the community to increase the knowledge and perception of CSA. LIMITATIONS Single-center study and short study period. CONFLICT OF INTEREST None.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wajid Syed
- Dr. Wajid Syed, Department of Clinical Pharmacy,, King Saud University,, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia, T: +966.503754169, , ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0886.7309
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Al-Eissa MA, Saleheen HN, Al-Wallan NS, AlKashan MY, AlSubaie NJ, Almuneef MA. Prevalence of Sexual Abuse Among Secondary School Students in Saudi Arabia. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2018; 33:855-870. [PMID: 30567869 DOI: 10.1891/0886-6708.vv-d-17-00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a public health problem that has been found to be linked to negative health outcomes. Data on CSA in Saudi Arabia are limited, and there are many gaps in research in this field. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of sexual abuse among children in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional, national survey (N = 16,010) utilizing International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Child Abuse Screening Tool Children's Version was conducted at secondary high schools in Saudi Arabia. Participant's mean age was 16.8 ± 0.9 years, and 50.8% were boys. Sixteen percent of the participants reported exposure to any type of CSA during their lives. Boys and those who lived with step-parent were more likely to be sexually abused compared to those who didn't (p < .05). Ordinary least squares regression analysis revealed that gender was the predictor significantly associated with CSA. Evidence-based prevention programs targeting mainly the high-risk groups should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid A Al-Eissa
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center/King Saud bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan N Saleheen
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center/King Saud bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nesreen S Al-Wallan
- King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monera Y AlKashan
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah J AlSubaie
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha A Almuneef
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center/King Saud bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Abd El Rahman AE, Azab SMS, Ramadan M. Study of Cases of Child Sexual Abuse Referred for Medico-Legal Examination in Cairo and Giza, Egypt,2007-2011. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2017; 26:308-318. [PMID: 28306390 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2017.1282574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is a complex problem that results in detrimental effects on its victims. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of child sexual abuse in cases referred for medico-legal examination in Cairo and Giza governorates in the period between 2007-2011. The study included 813 cases of child sexual abuse. Female gender was more predominant than male gender (52.8%, 4.29 cases), and adolescents were the most frequent age group identified as victims of sexual abuse (43.8%, 356 cases). All perpetrators were male and most of them were persons outside the victims' families (89.9%, 731 cases). It was recommended to teach and encourage children to tell their caregivers if they have been assaulted and to educate parents and caregivers on how to respond when the child discloses sexual abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany E Abd El Rahman
- a Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology , Ain Shams University , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Sonya M S Azab
- a Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology , Ain Shams University , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ramadan
- b Medico-Legal Department , Ministry of Justice , Cairo , Egypt
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Alnasser Y, Albijadi A, Abdullah W, Aldabeeb D, Alomair A, Alsaddiqi S, Alsalloum Y. Child maltreatment between knowledge, attitude and beliefs among Saudi pediatricians, pediatric residency trainees and medical students. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2017; 16:7-13. [PMID: 28275426 PMCID: PMC5329067 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Child maltreatment is not included in Saudi medical schools and pediatric residency curriculums, which might limit knowledge and spread misconceptions. Additionally, physicians might have different attitudes regarding reporting child abuse and neglect. In this study, we hypothesize that medical students and pediatric trainees have limited knowledge, oblivious attitude and misbeliefs regarding child maltreatment in comparison to experienced pediatricians. But, medical students and trainees might hold higher motives and willingness to learn about child maltreatment and their consequences. Methods A self reported questionnaire was distributed after a pilot study to include pediatricians, pediatrics trainees and medical students in all main areas of pediatrics services: pediatrics wards, pediatrics outpatient clinics, critical care and pediatrics emergency. Results In disregard to their level of training, medical students and physicians believed that child maltreatment happens within the kingdom and is common. They were familiar with the child maltreatment definition, although only one third thought it is subject to culture sensitivity. However, experienced physicians were more knowledgeable especially about neglect. Moreover, female participants were more likely to report despite being more skeptical of readiness of Saudi law system to deal with cases of maltreatment. In general, knowledge about reporting was clearly deficit at all levels. Fortunately, all participants requested and were enthusiastic to receive further training. Conclusion Saudi medical students, pediatrics trainees and pediatricians have good basic knowledge, positive attitude and willingness to learn more to provide a safe environment for children in Saudi Arabia. However, knowledge in regards to reporting child maltreatment is a major observed defect. Still, further education and training are needed to combat CAN in Saudi Arabia. Despite disagreement of culture impact on CAN definition, it was well known. Experienced physicians were the most knowledgeable about CAN especially neglect. Most participants lacked knowledge regarding reporting of CAN. All participants expressed need to further training to deal with cases of CAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossef Alnasser
- General Pediatrics, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; British Columbia Children Hospital, British Columbia University, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Amani Albijadi
- General Pediatrics, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Al-Zboon E, Ahmad J, Al-Dababneh K. Prevalence and types of childhood abuse among special education students attending Jordanian Universities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2015.1093008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eman Al-Zboon
- Queen Rania Faculty for Childhood, Special Education Department, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Jamal Ahmad
- Queen Rania Faculty for Childhood, Childhood Department, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Kholoud Al-Dababneh
- Queen Rania Faculty for Childhood, Special Education Department, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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Forensic experience of Saudi nurses; an emerging need for forensic qualifications. J Forensic Leg Med 2014; 27:13-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Khanjari S, Bastani F, Kamalinahad R, Hosseini AF. Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse: Parents’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices. IRAN JOURNAL OF NURSING 2014. [DOI: 10.29252/ijn.27.89.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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