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Gautschi J, Lätsch D. The effectiveness of interventions to prevent and reduce child maltreatment in high-income countries: An umbrella review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 153:106845. [PMID: 38761720 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades, many interventions targeting the occurrence (primary prevention) or the recurrence (secondary prevention) of child abuse and neglect have been tested. Findings have been synthesized in several meta-analyses and systematic reviews. However, the range of interventions addressed in these studies is very broad, and an integrative assessment of this large spectrum is lacking. OBJECTIVE Focusing on high-income countries, we ask (i) what is known about the effectiveness of interventions to prevent or reduce child abuse and neglect and (ii) how robust this evidence is. METHODS A systematic review of systematic reviews, called an umbrella review, was conducted. Ten databases on OvidSP and Web of Science were searched up until April 2023. Narrative synthesis was used to document the publications' findings. RESULTS 44 publications were included in the umbrella review. We did not find that any type of intervention had a clear, consistent, and robust track record of preventing or reducing the occurrence of child abuse and neglect. Rather, publications examining the effectiveness of interventions in all areas frequently reported non-existent, small or inconsistent effects. However, positive effects for particular interventions in specific settings did emerge. Research methodologies showed several and often severe problems. CONCLUSIONS We suggest several measures to improve the quality of research and call on practitioners to be persistent in developing more effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gautschi
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, School of Social Work, Institute of Childhood, Youth, and Family, Pfingstweidstrasse 96, CH-8037 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - David Lätsch
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, School of Social Work, Institute of Childhood, Youth, and Family, Pfingstweidstrasse 96, CH-8037 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Tsur N, Talmon A, Shemesh N. Peritraumatic Pain in Child Maltreatment: A Systematic Literature Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:1725-1736. [PMID: 37655587 PMCID: PMC11155214 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231194069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research has been conducted on the link between trauma, child maltreatment (CM), and chronic pain. Although the risk of suffering from chronic pain among CM survivors has been established, much less is known about the experience of pain during CM incidents or whether such peritraumatic pain sensations are associated with later chronic pain. This scoping review was conducted to synthesize the existing literature on pain during and a short time following CM (i.e., peritraumatic pain). Utilizing the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, the current review included 11 manuscripts, which met the following criteria: (a) refer to physical pain experienced during or a short time after CM, (b) were published in peer-reviewed journals, and (c) were written in English. The review demonstrated that most of the included studies were not intentionally focused on peritraumatic pain, the majority used qualitative research methods, and all were cross-sectional. Furthermore, although validated questionnaires are available, most of the studies did not utilize such measures. Those that intentionally reported pain demonstrated its high intensity and prevalence in CM incidents, indicating that pain is inherently embedded in the experience of maltreatment. The findings spotlight an underdeveloped research realm on a phenomenon that may hold significant empirical, clinical, and legal implications. Research endeavors should initiate interdisciplinary bodies of knowledge to establish well-validated research methodologies that properly quantify peritraumatic pain in trauma and CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noga Tsur
- Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Shinyemba TW, Shiode S, Devries K. Application of geospatial analysis in health research: A systematic review of methodological aspects of studies on violence against children and young people. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 151:106730. [PMID: 38461708 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geographical variation exists in violence experienced by children and young people; however, there is limited research applying geospatial techniques to study this variation, and the methodological quality of this body of work is unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to review the application of geospatial analysis in research on violence against children (VAC) and evaluate how essential methodological aspects are reported. METHODS Twelve databases were searched for studies on VAC using geospatial techniques. Two independent reviewers screened the papers for eligibility. Findings were narratively synthesised. RESULTS Sixty studies were included. Six studies estimated the prevalence of VAC and 54 investigated the associations between VAC and covariates. Most studies were conducted in the US (68 %), and the broad definition of 'child maltreatment' (53 %) was the most common form of violence explored. Most studies (83 %) used administrative data, whereas 23 % used an ecological study design to estimate the associations between risk factors and official reports of VAC. Frequentist modelling approaches were used in 54 % of the studies, and 47 % investigated VAC at census tract level. Model fit metrics were reported in 69 % of studies. CONCLUSIONS Current knowledge of the geographical distribution of VAC is severely limited because of the reliance on administrative data, which vastly underestimates the prevalence of VAC compared with self-reports and poor reporting of quality characteristics. There is a huge opportunity for applying geospatial methods in VAC research in diverse geographic contexts. Future research must adopt rigorous and standardised approaches to model fitting and validation and make better use of self-reported data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Willem Shinyemba
- Department of Geography, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK; Department of Computing, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia.
| | - Shino Shiode
- Department of Geography, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Karen Devries
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Kassis W, Aksoy D, Favre CA, Arnold J, Gaugler S, Grafinger KE, Artz S, Magnuson D. On the complex relationship between resilience and hair cortisol levels in adolescence despite parental physical abuse: a fourth wave of resilience research. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1345844. [PMID: 38628259 PMCID: PMC11019004 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1345844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction To understand the family's role in adolescents' mental health development and the connection to neurodevelopmental disorders related to experienced parental physical abuse, we first explored resilience pathways longitudinally and secondly, connected the identified patterns to adolescents' hair cortisol levels that are rooted in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as the main stress response system and connected brain structure alterations. Methods We analyzed longitudinal online questionnaire data for three consecutive high school years (from seventh to ninth grade) and four survey waves from a representative sample of n = 1609 high school students in Switzerland on violence-resilience pathways. Furthermore, we collected students' hair samples from a subsample of n = 229 at survey wave 4. About 30% of the participating adolescents had been physically abused by their parents. Out of the overall sample, we drew a subsample of adolescents with parental abuse experiences (survey wave 1 n = 509; survey wave 2 n = 506; survey wave 3 n = 561; survey wave 4 n = 560). Results Despite the odds, about 20-30% of adolescents who have experienced parental physical abuse escaped the family violence cycle and can be called resilient. By applying a person-oriented analytical approach via latent class and transition analysis, we longitudinally identified and compared four distinct violence-resilience patterns. We identified violence resilience as a multidimensional latent construct, which includes hedonic and eudaimonic protective and risk indicators. Because resilience should not solely be operationalized based on the lack of psychopathology, our latent construct included both feeling good (hedonic indicators such as high levels of self-esteem and low levels of depression/anxiety and dissociation) and doing well (eudaimonic indicators such as high levels of self-determination and self-efficacy as well as low levels of aggression toward peers). Discussion The present study confirmed that higher cortisol levels significantly relate to the comorbid pattern (internalizing and externalizing symptoms), and further confirmed the presence of lasting alterations in brain structures. In this way, we corroborated the insight that when studying the resilience pathways and trajectories of abused adolescents, biological markers such as hair cortisol significantly enhance and deepen the understanding of the longitudinal mechanisms of psychological markers (e.g., self-determination, self-esteem, self-efficacy) that are commonly applied in questionnaires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wassilis Kassis
- School of Education, University of Applied Sciences, Windisch, Switzerland
| | - Dilan Aksoy
- School of Education, University of Applied Sciences, Windisch, Switzerland
| | - Céline Anne Favre
- School of Education, University of Applied Sciences, Windisch, Switzerland
| | - Julia Arnold
- School of Education, University of Applied Sciences, Windisch, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Gaugler
- School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | | | - Sibylle Artz
- School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Doug Magnuson
- Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Gandarilla Ocampo M, Drake B, Simon J, Jonson-Reid M. Does a child maltreatment report source predict differences in immediate and subsequent report outcomes? CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 147:106587. [PMID: 38043457 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mandated reporting policies, a core response to the identification of child maltreatment, are widely debated. Currently, there are calls to abolish or scale back these policies to include only certain professionals. These calls warrant evaluation of whether there are any differences in child welfare outcomes based on report source. OBJECTIVE To determine if the initial report source predicts immediate and long-term risk of re-referral, substantiation, and placement. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING We used yearly National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) hotline report and placement data. Children (0-14y) with a first ever hotline report in 2012-2014 were followed for three years. The final sample included 2,101,397 children from 32 states. METHODS We use descriptive and bivariate statistics to show initial report outcomes by reporter source type and logistic regression models to evaluate the effect of report source on immediate and subsequent report outcomes. RESULTS Professional sources varied in levels of substantiation and placement, with law enforcement, medical, and social service sources showing much higher rates. Reports from professional sources have higher odds of initial report substantiation and foster care entry, and slightly lower odds of later re-report than nonprofessional sources. We found no differences between professional and nonprofessional sources in subsequent foster care entry. CONCLUSIONS Reports from professional, nonprofessional, and unclassified sources have varying levels of risk in some of their short- and long-term outcomes. To the degree that child protective services embrace a long-term preventative role, reports by nonprofessional report sources may provide opportunities for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Gandarilla Ocampo
- Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States of America.
| | - Brett Drake
- Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States of America.
| | - James Simon
- School of Social Work, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032, United States of America.
| | - Melissa Jonson-Reid
- Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States of America.
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Nurmatov U, Cowley LE, Rodrigues LB, Naughton A, Debelle G, Alfandari R, Lamela D, Otterman G, Jud A, Ntinapogias A, Laajasalo T, Soldino V, Stancheva V, Caenazzo L, Vaughan R, Christian CW, Drabarek K, Kemp AM, Hurt L. Consensus building on definitions and types of child maltreatment to improve recording and surveillance in Europe: protocol for a multi-sectoral, European, electronic Delphi study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e076517. [PMID: 38086601 PMCID: PMC10729059 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Child maltreatment (CM) is a complex global public health issue with potentially devastating effects on individuals' physical and mental health and well-being throughout the life course. A lack of uniform definitions hinders attempts to identify, measure, respond to, and prevent CM. The aim of this electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) study is to build consensus on definitions and types of CM for use in surveillance and multi-sectoral research in the 34 countries in the Euro-CAN (Multi-Sectoral Responses to Child Abuse and Neglect in Europe) project (COST Action CA19106). METHODS AND ANALYSIS The e-Delphi study will consist of a maximum of three rounds conducted using an online data collection platform. A multi-disciplinary expert panel consisting of researchers, child protection professionals (health and social care), police, legal professionals and adult survivors of CM will be purposefully recruited. We will approach approximately 100 experts, with between 50 and 60 of these anticipated to take part. Participants will rate their agreement with a range of statements relating to operational definitions and types of CM, and free-text comments on each of the statements to give further detail about their responses and areas of uncertainty. Consensus has been defined a priori as ≥70% of the panel agreeing or disagreeing with the statement after the final round. The responses to the open-ended questions will be analysed using a 'codebook' approach to thematic analysis, and used to refine the statements between rounds where no consensus is reached. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been granted from the Cardiff University School of Medicine ethics committee (reference number SMREC22/96). Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at workshops (including for the participants) and international academic conferences. The Euro-CAN network will also be used to disseminate the results, with results briefings and presentations to key public health and other relevant organisations in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulugbek Nurmatov
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Diogo Lamela
- Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab (HEI-LAB), Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gabriel Otterman
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linkoping, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Athanasios Ntinapogias
- Department of Mental Health and Social Welfare, Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Taina Laajasalo
- Competence Cluster for Violence Prevention Work, Special Services Unit, Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virginia Soldino
- University Research Institute of Criminology and Criminal Science, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vaska Stancheva
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, South-West University Neofit Rilski, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
| | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Rachael Vaughan
- Children's Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE), Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Cindy W Christian
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katarzyna Drabarek
- Empowering Children Foundation, Warszawa, Poland
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Alison Mary Kemp
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lisa Hurt
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Jean-Thorn A, Tremblay-Perreault A, Dubé V, Hébert M. A Systematic Review of Community-Level Protective Factors in Children Exposed to Maltreatment. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:2827-2842. [PMID: 36047717 PMCID: PMC10486159 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221117234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment and neglect are associated with a host of negative outcomes. Yet, some children show resilience despite their exposure to these traumatic events. Several protective factors have been documented in the literature, but few studies focus on protective factors in the child's community that can promote resilience. The purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive portrait of the impact of community protective factors on the resilience of abused and neglected children. The databases PsycNet and PubMed were used to screen the literature relying on the following inclusion criteria: (1) published in English or in French; (2) report empirical and quantitative data; (3) include a minimum sample size of 30 participants; (4) rely on a sample of maltreated children or adolescents under the age of 24; (5) examine the associations between community protective factors and indicators of psychological adaptation; and (6) include outcome measures that assessed either positive adaptation or the absence of symptomatology in participants. Of the 9,553 articles identified, 44 studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review. Although many protective factors show significant results, several methodological limitations remain to be examined to affirm that these community variables have a significant impact on the level of resilience of maltreated children. Since child maltreatment is a systemic issue, it remains important to fully understand how community protective factors operate on the resilience of these children as it can greatly inform practitioners and community institutions on how to intervene with populations at risk of maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valéry Dubé
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Mora-Theuer EA, Klomfar S, Ramazanova D, Grylli C, Kletecka-Pulker M, Völkl-Kernstock S, Otterman G, Simon J, Greber-Platzer S. Cohort analysis of child abuse and neglect cases treated during the initial 2 years of a programme to support hospital-based child protection work in Austria. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071536. [PMID: 37451739 PMCID: PMC10351272 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe characteristics of suspected child abuse and neglect (CAN) cases associated with the decision of paediatric departments (PDs) in Vienna, Austria, to involve services of a regional tertiary child protection service programme (Forensische Kinder- und JugendUntersuchungsStelle, FOKUS). DESIGN Retrospective cohort analysis of a regional data collection of CAN cases over the first 2 years of FOKUS's operational period (1 July 2015-30 June 2017). SETTING All CAN cases reported to the PDs of six public hospitals in Vienna. Five of these public hospitals were secondary heath care centres and one was a tertiary healthcare centre. RESULTS Overall, 231 cases (59.1%) were treated without and 160 (40.9%) with additional involvement of the FOKUS service programme. The odds of a case to be treated without FOKUS involvement were higher if neglect was suspected (OR 3.233, 95% CI 2.024 to 5.279). In contrast, when sexual abuse was suspected, the odds for involvement with FOKUS were significantly higher (OR 7.577, 95% CI 4.580 to 12.879). The odds of being managed with FOKUS services nearly doubled when multiple forms of abuse were suspected (OR 1.926, 95% CI 1.136 to 3.285). The odds for additional FOKUS involvement were significantly lower for patients treated as inpatients (OR 0.239, 95% CI 0.151 to 0.373). CAN patients managed with FOKUS involvement were significantly more often reported to law enforcement (LE) (OR 3.234, 95% CI 2.078 to 5.002). Concurrently, suspected sexual abuse cases and cases reported to LE were more frequently treated in the PD of the tertiary centre than in other PDs (χ2 p<0.001). CONCLUSION CAN case characteristics significantly influenced if PDs involved a tertiary child protection programme. Suspected sexual abuse, if more than one form of CAN was suspected and cases reported to LE required additional specialist expertise. For suspected neglect involvement of tertiary services seemed less important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Anna Mora-Theuer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophie Klomfar
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dariga Ramazanova
- Center for Medical Data Science, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chryssa Grylli
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Kletecka-Pulker
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Patient Safety, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Völkl-Kernstock
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriel Otterman
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linkoping, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Judit Simon
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Greber-Platzer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Posch I, Romanos M, Warnke A, Jans T. [Experiences of Violence During Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Treatment: An Explorative Study with Implications for Child Protection]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KINDER- UND JUGENDPSYCHIATRIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2023; 51:263-274. [PMID: 36330728 DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Experiences of Violence During Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Treatment: An Explorative Study with Implications for Child Protection Abstract. Objective: Educational and medical institutions care for children and adolescents by providing supervision, schooling, education, therapy, and protection. Nevertheless, children in institutional care are exposed to potential danger through maltreatment and abuse. Method: As part of the establishment of the protection concept at the University Hospital for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Würzburg, a retrospective patient survey was conducted. The study population consisted of former inpatient clients from 2006 and 2007, who at the time of the catamnesis were of legal age. The survey was conducted by mail. In addition to items on their experiences of violence, the questionnaire included established scales to assess treatment satisfaction and quality of life (FBB-K, WHO-BREF). Results: Of 568 former patients, 87 (15.3 %) provided valid responses (59 female, mean age at the time of the survey: 24.5 years): 35 former patients (40.2 % of the participants) reported experiences of violence during their inpatient treatment (26 victims only, 7 experiences as victims and perpetrators, and 2 perpetrators only). Experiences as victims mainly included emotional violence (34.5 %), but also physical (5.7 %) and sexual violence (10.3 %). Conclusion: We found a significant correlation between experiences of violence, on the one hand, and retrospective treatment satisfaction and current quality of life, on the other hand. The results of the survey underline the importance of establishing protection concepts in clinics and other institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Posch
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Marcel Romanos
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Warnke
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Jans
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Deutschland
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10
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Neelakantan L, Fry D, Florian L, Silion D, Filip M, Thabeng M, Te K, Sunglao JA, Lu M, Ward CL, Baban A, Jocson RM, Alampay L, Meinck F. "What does that mean?": The content validity of the ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool - Child version (ICAST-C) in Romania, South Africa, and the Philippines. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 134:105869. [PMID: 36137404 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) Child Abuse Screening Tool (Children's Version), known as the ICAST-C Version 3, is used widely to assess violence against children, but there is limited psychometric evidence, especially on content validity. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the content validity of the ICAST-C with adolescents in Romania, South Africa, and the Philippines. METHODS A purposive sample of adolescents (N = 53, 51 % female) were recruited from urban areas in Romania, the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, and Metro Manila, Philippines. Semi-structured one-on-one in-depth cognitive interviews sought adolescent perspectives on the relevance, comprehensibility, and comprehensiveness of the ICAST-C. Data were analysed using template analysis. RESULTS The ICAST-C was broadly perceived to be relevant and comprehensive in measuring violence against children in all study locations. However, there were issues with the comprehensibility of the measure, described at three levels: interpreting items, undertaking coherent elaborations of relevant behaviors and places, and generating a coherent response to the questions. CONCLUSIONS Suggestions to revise the ICAST-C include, among others, adding a practice or how-to section on answering the survey, clarifying the intent of questions, especially on neglect and sexual abuse, emphasizing that questions cover all locations, and asking more positive questions. Pilot studies testing the content validity and cultural appropriateness are needed as a matter of practice in large self-report surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Neelakantan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK; Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Deborah Fry
- Childlight - Global Institute for Child Safety, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lani Florian
- Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Doriana Silion
- Department of Psychology, Babes-Bolyai University, Romania
| | - Madalina Filip
- Department of Psychology, Babes-Bolyai University, Romania
| | | | - Kathlyn Te
- Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
| | | | - Mengyao Lu
- Childlight - Global Institute for Child Safety, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Catherine L Ward
- Department of Psychology and Safety and Violence Initiative, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adriana Baban
- Department of Psychology, Babes-Bolyai University, Romania
| | - Rosanne M Jocson
- National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Liane Alampay
- Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
| | - Franziska Meinck
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, UK; OPTENTIA, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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11
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d'Huart D, Hutsebaut J, Seker S, Schmid M, Schmeck K, Bürgin D, Boonmann C. Personality functioning and the pathogenic effect of childhood maltreatment in a high-risk sample. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:95. [PMID: 36451183 PMCID: PMC9710065 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00527-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the psychopathological sequalae of childhood maltreatment are widely acknowledged, less is known about the underlying pathways by which childhood maltreatment might lead to an increased risk for mental health problems. Recent studies indicated that impaired personality functioning might mediate this relationship. The aim of the present paper was to extend the current literature by investigating the mediating effect of impaired personality functioning between different types of childhood maltreatment and self-reported mental health problems in a high-risk sample. METHODS Overall, 173 young adults (mean age = of 26.61 years; SD = 3.27) with a history of residential child welfare and juvenile justice placements in Switzerland were included in the current study. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), Semi-structured Interview for Personality Functioning DSM-5 (STiP-5.1) and the self-report questionnaires of the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment scales (ASEBA) were used. Mediation analyses were conducted through structural equation modeling. RESULTS Overall, 76.3% (N = 132) participants indicated at least one type of childhood maltreatment, with emotional neglect being most commonly reported (60.7%). A total of 30.6% (N = 53) participants self-reported mental health problems. Emotional abuse (r = 0.34; p < .001) and neglect (r = 0.28; p < .001) were found to be most strongly associated with mental health problems. In addition, impaired personality functioning was fond to be a significant mediator for overall childhood maltreatment (β = 0.089; p = 0.008) and emotional neglect (β = 0.077; p = 0.016). Finally, impaired self-functioning was found to be a significant mediator when both self-functioning and interpersonal functioning were included as potential mediators in the relationship between overall childhood maltreatment (β1 = 0.177, p1 = 0.007) and emotional neglect (β1 = 0.173, p1 = 0.003). CONCLUSION Emotional neglect may be particularly important in the context of childhood maltreatment, personality functioning, and mental health problems and, therefore, should not be overlooked next to the more "obvious" forms of childhood maltreatment. Combining interventions designed for personality functioning with trauma-informed practices in standard mental health services might counteract the psychopathological outcomes of maltreated children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfine d'Huart
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research, Psychiatric University Hospitals Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Joost Hutsebaut
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders, De Viersprong, Halsteren, The Netherlands
| | - Süheyla Seker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research, Psychiatric University Hospitals Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Schmid
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research, Psychiatric University Hospitals Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Schmeck
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research, Psychiatric University Hospitals Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Bürgin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research, Psychiatric University Hospitals Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cyril Boonmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research, Psychiatric University Hospitals Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- LUMC Curium - Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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12
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Hoell A, Kourmpeli E, Dölling D, Horten B, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Dreßing H. Ein Schritt ins Dunkle: Pilotstudie zu Prävalenz, situativem
Kontext und Folgen sexualisierter Gewalt gegen Kinder und Jugendliche in
Deutschland. PSYCHIATRISCHE PRAXIS 2022; 50:182-188. [PMID: 36384223 DOI: 10.1055/a-1960-4795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie war die Erfassung des Ausmaßes sexualisierter
Gewalt gegen Kinder und Jugendliche, der unterschiedlichen Tatkontexte und
Folgen sexualisierter Gewalt.
Methodik Es wurde eine Zufallsstichprobe aus einer städtischen
Bevölkerung (18–69 Jahre) erhoben, die zum aktuellen
Wohlbefinden, zu Hilfsangeboten für Kinder und Jugendliche bei
sexualisierter Gewalt und zu Erfahrungen mit sexualisierter Gewalt im Kindes-
und Jugendalter mittels einer Hybridumfrage befragt wurden.
Ergebnisse Der Rücklauf betrug n=159 (17,3%). Es
gaben 18,2% an, mindestens einmal in der Kindheit oder Jugend Opfer
sexualisierter Gewalt geworden zu sein. Davon berichteten 34,5% zum
ersten Mal von diesen Ereignissen. Das psychische Wohlbefinden war in der Gruppe
der von sexualisierter Gewalt Betroffenen signifikant geringer. Die Kenntnis zu
Hilfsangeboten war bei allen Teilnehmenden eher gering.
Schlussfolgerung Die gewählte Methode ließe sich im Rahmen
einer bundesweiten repräsentativen Befragung anwenden, um Einblicke in
das Dunkelfeld der sexualisierten Gewalt zu geben.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hoell
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Zentralinstitut
für Seelische Gesundheit, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Eirini Kourmpeli
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Zentralinstitut
für Seelische Gesundheit, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dieter Dölling
- Institut für Kriminologie, Universität Heidelberg,
Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Horten
- Institut für Kriminologie, Universität Heidelberg,
Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Zentralinstitut
für Seelische Gesundheit, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Harald Dreßing
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Zentralinstitut
für Seelische Gesundheit, Mannheim, Germany
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13
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No Sex Differences in Self-Reported Childhood Maltreatment in Major Depressive and Bipolar Disorders: A Retrospective Study. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060804. [PMID: 35741691 PMCID: PMC9220896 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We investigated, for the first time, whether there are any sex differences in retrospective self-reported childhood maltreatment (CM) in Italian adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD). Furthermore, the potential impacts of patients’ age on the CM self-report were investigated. Methods: This retrospective study used the data documented in the electronic medical records of patients who were hospitalized for a 4-week psychiatric rehabilitation program. CM was assessed using the 28-item Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), which evaluates emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as emotional and physical neglect. The linear and logistic regression models were used (α = 0.01). Results: Three hundred thirty-five patients with MDD (255 women and 80 men) and 168 with BD (97 women and 71 men) were included. In both samples, considerable CM rates were identified, but no statistically significant sex differences were detected in the variety of CTQ-based CM aspects. There was a significant association, with no sex differences, between increasing patients’ age and a decreasing burden of CM. Conclusion: Both women and men with MDD or BD experienced a similar and considerable CM burden. Our findings support routine CM assessment in psychiatric clinical practice.
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14
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Rebbe R, Mienko JA, Martinson ML. Reports and Removals of Child Maltreatment-Related Hospitalizations: A Population-Based Study. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2022; 27:235-245. [PMID: 33375836 DOI: 10.1177/1077559520984549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite U.S. child protective services (CPS) agencies relying on mandated reporters to refer concerns of child maltreatment to them, there is little data regarding which children mandated reporters decide to report and not to report. This study addresses this gap by utilizing a population-based linked administrative dataset to identify which children who are hospitalized for maltreatment-related reasons are reported to CPS and which are removed by CPS. The dataset was comprised of all children born in Washington State between 1999 and 2013 (N = 1,271,416), all hospitalizations for children under the age of three, and all CPS records. We identified maltreatment-related hospitalizations using standardized diagnostic codes. We examined the records for children with maltreatment-related hospitalizations to identify hospitalization-related CPS reports and if the child was removed from their parents. We tested for differences in these system responses using multinomial regression. About two-thirds of children identified as experiencing a child maltreatment-related hospitalization were not reported to CPS. We found differences in responses by maltreatment subtype and the type of diagnostic code. Children whose hospitalizations were related to abuse and associated with a specific maltreatment code had increased odds of being both reported to CPS and subsequently removed by CPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rebbe
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph A Mienko
- Center for Social Sector Analytics & Technology, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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15
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Kassis W, Aksoy D, Favre CA, Janousch C, Artz STG. Thriving despite Parental Physical Abuse in Adolescence: A Two-Wave Latent Transition Analysis on Hedonic and Eudaimonic Violence-Resilience Outcome Indicators. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9040553. [PMID: 35455596 PMCID: PMC9026684 DOI: 10.3390/children9040553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Internationally, about 25% of all children experience physical abuse by their parents. Despite the numerous odds against them, about 30% of adolescents who have experienced even the most serious forms of physical abuse by their parents escape the vicious family violence cycle. In this study, we analyzed longitudinally the data from a sample of N = 1767 seventh-grade high school students in Switzerland on physical abuse by their parents. We did this by conducting an online questionnaire twice within the school year. We found that in our sample, about 30% of the participating adolescents’ parents had physically abused them. We considered violence resilience a multi-systemic construct that included the absence of psychopathology on one hand and both forms of well-being (psychological and subjective) on the other. Our latent construct included both feeling good (hedonic indicators, such as high levels of self-esteem and low levels of depression/anxiety and dissociation) and doing well (eudaimonic indicators, such as high levels of self-determination and self-efficacy as well as low levels of aggression toward peers). By applying a person-oriented analytical approach via latent transition analysis with a sub-sample of students who experienced physical abuse (nw2 = 523), we identified and compared longitudinally four distinct violence-resilience patterns and their respective trajectories. By applying to the field of resilience, one of the most compelling insights of well-being research (Deci & Ryan, 2001), we identified violence resilience as a complex, multidimensional latent construct that concerns hedonic and eudaimonic well-being and is not solely based on terms of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wassilis Kassis
- Department of Research & Development, School of Education, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, 5210 Windisch, Switzerland; (D.A.); (C.A.F.); (C.J.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Dilan Aksoy
- Department of Research & Development, School of Education, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, 5210 Windisch, Switzerland; (D.A.); (C.A.F.); (C.J.)
| | - Céline Anne Favre
- Department of Research & Development, School of Education, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, 5210 Windisch, Switzerland; (D.A.); (C.A.F.); (C.J.)
| | - Clarissa Janousch
- Department of Research & Development, School of Education, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, 5210 Windisch, Switzerland; (D.A.); (C.A.F.); (C.J.)
| | - Sibylle Talmon-Gros Artz
- School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria, Coast Salish Territories, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
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16
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Brown SM, Orsi R, Chen PCB, Everson CL, Fluke J. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child Protection System Referrals and Responses in Colorado, USA. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2022; 27:3-11. [PMID: 33896229 PMCID: PMC9011917 DOI: 10.1177/10775595211012476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has amplified risk factors known to increase children's vulnerability to abuse and neglect, emerging evidence suggests declines in maltreatment reporting and responding following COVID-19 social distancing protocols in the United States. Using statewide administrative data, this study builds on the current state of knowledge to better understand the volume of child protection system (CPS) referrals and responses in Colorado, USA before and during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine whether there were differences in referral and response rates by case characteristics. Results indicated an overall decline in referrals and responses during COVID-19 when compared to the previous year. Declines were specific to case characteristics, such as reporter and maltreatment type. Implications regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child maltreatment reporting and CPS response are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Orsi
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | | | - John Fluke
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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17
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Mantovani N, Smith J. A retrospective study examining the adverse effect of childhood abuse among adult psychiatric service users in Britain. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2021; 30:1093-1105. [PMID: 34515389 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The long-term effects of childhood abuse have been well studied though the effects of abuse of specific types in adult psychiatric service users are less known. This study aimed to assess the association between childhood abuse and the development of harmful social and behavioural outcomes among adult psychiatric service users. Adult psychiatric service users were accessed from secondary mental health services in South London. A retrospective analysis was conducted of a randomly selected sample of 342 mental health records. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to examine associations between childhood abuse - sexual abuse, physical abuse and psychological/emotional abuse - and health and behavioural outcomes. This study identified that 109 (31.8%) psychiatric service users had some history of childhood abuse and more often presented with high-risk or severe behaviours. Sexual abuse in childhood was linked with social isolation related to loss of friends (odds ratio (OR) = 2.68, P < 0.01), risky behaviours such as binge drinking (OR = 2.15, P < 0.05) and self-harming (OR = 2.86, P < 0.01), while childhood physical abuse was associated with drug abuse in adulthood (OR = 1.88, P < 0.05). Revictimization (adult domestic violence) also impacted on service users' quality of life in terms of loss of housing (OR = 2.21, P < 0.05) and loss of friends/family contact (OR = 2.73, P < 0.01). These findings suggest childhood abuse may play an important role in shaping risk and vulnerability for mental health problems across a lifespan. In acute mental health services, the incorporation of a trauma-informed nursing care model is necessary to generate a shift in culture in the delivery of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Mantovani
- St George's University London, Population Health Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Jared Smith
- St George's University London, Population Health Research Institute, London, UK
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18
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Apfeld JC, Crichton KG, Minneci PC, Puls HT, Cooper JN. Identification of physical abuse-related hospitalizations in young children: Impact of the transition to ICD-10-CM coding. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 118:105159. [PMID: 34147940 PMCID: PMC8292224 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Administrative healthcare databases are frequently used for child physical abuse (CPA)-related research and surveillance. In October 2015, the United States transitioned to the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification-10th Revision (ICD-10-CM) coding regimen. ICD-10-CM expands coding related to CPA, including codes to differentiate suspected from confirmed CPA. OBJECTIVE This study examined the impact of the transition to ICD-10-CM coding on population-level trends in rates of hospitalizations coded for CPA. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS Hospitalizations coded as related to CPA in children <5 years-of-age from 2010 to 2017 were identified across 19 Statewide Inpatient Databases. METHODS Interrupted time series analyses were used to assess the impact of the coding transition on hospitalizations coded for CPA, overall and by child race/ethnicity. RESULTS Of 9715 hospitalizations coded for CPA, 2797 (29%) occurred after the coding transition, including 51% coded for suspected CPA and 49% coded for confirmed CPA. There was a marginally-significant increase in the trend in CPA-related hospitalization after the coding transition among all children (0.09 per 100,000 children-per-quarter, p = 0.06), a significant increase in the trend among white children (0.15 per 100,000 children-per-quarter, p = 0.01), and no change among Black or Hispanic children. After the coding transition, hospitalizations coded for suspected CPA increased significantly overall (0.10 per 100,000 children-per-quarter, p < 0.001), and in particular among white children (0.12 per 100,000 children-per-quarter, p = 0.01) but not among Black or Hispanic children. CONCLUSIONS The transition to ICD-10-CM differentially impacted trends in hospitalizations coded for CPA by child race/ethnicity. Further research is necessary to discern the reasons for these discrepancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan C Apfeld
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research and Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr., Columbus 43205, OH, USA.
| | - Kristin G Crichton
- Division of Child and Family Advocacy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 655 E Livingston Ave, Columbus 43205, OH, USA.
| | - Peter C Minneci
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research and Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr., Columbus 43205, OH, USA; Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr., Columbus 43205, OH, USA.
| | - Henry T Puls
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City 64108, MO, USA.
| | - Jennifer N Cooper
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research and Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr., Columbus 43205, OH, USA.
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19
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Cohen N, Katz C. Preventing child maltreatment: Key conclusions from a systematic literature review of prevention programs for practitioners. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 118:105138. [PMID: 34087537 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment (CM) is a worldwide social problem and there is a large consensus that its prevention is of crucial importance. The current literature review highlights CM prevention studies that target practitioners, with the aim of assessing the knowledge in this area, informing future efforts and benefiting the international task of mitigating CM. Specifically, the study presents key conclusions from prevention programs evaluated in peer-reviewed journals from the last decade selected using the PRISMA systematic literature review guidelines. Out of the 26 manuscripts that discussed prevention programs targeted at practitioners, 20 programs were identified. While sexual abuse prevention programs were the most common, followed by programs addressing general child maltreatment, only two studies addressed child physical abuse. More than a third of the prevention programs were interdisciplinary, while healthcare providers had the highest number of specifically tailored programs. The discussion addresses the considerable lack of detail in the relevant manuscripts and urges future efforts to further elaborate on necessary details to enable other researchers and practitioners to better assess and determine the congruence between child maltreatment research and prevention programs. Additionally, some methodological issues in the included manuscripts, such as the lack of control groups and the related challenges, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Cohen
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel
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20
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Abstract
This article documents the increasing numbers of children impacted annually by 1 or more types of violence against children and describes the range of types of injuries and their immediate and long-term impacts on child outcomes. The article describes the growing number of international collaborations to decrease the numbers of children impacted by violence and to mitigate the consequences thereof, with a particular emphasis on children living in war zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonita Stanton
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, 340 Kingsland Street, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA.
| | - Brittney Davis
- New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Danielle Laraque-Arena
- New York Academy of Medicine, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA
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21
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Mc Elhinney H, Taylor BJ, Sinclair M. Judgements of health and social care professionals on a child protection referral of an unborn baby: Factorial survey. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 114:104978. [PMID: 33582402 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.104978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Midwives and children's services social workers have responsibilities to identify and support pregnant women where there are child protection concerns. Professionals seek to anticipate the risk of harm and initiate interventions to provide support to families. There is little research on how professionals prioritise risk factors and the challenges they face in protecting unborn babies. OBJECTIVE To measure the impact of identified risk factors regarding child protection referrals of unborn babies on the professional judgements of midwives and children's services social workers. METHODS A factorial survey design using vignettes with randomised factors within a standardised structure, administered digitally using Qualtrics software. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING Midwives (n = 250) and children's services social workers (n = 88) from one Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland. RESULTS One thousand and ninety-six vignettes were completed by 118 participants. Analysis using multiple regression showed that the risk factors together accounted for 44% of the variance in perceived risk of harm and of the variance on perceived need for a referral. The significant Independent Variables (IVs) in order included: drug use, alcohol use, age, antenatal care attendance, mental wellbeing, domestic violence and the pregnant woman's I the childhood experiences. There were no significant differences between midwives and social workers regarding judgements about important risk factors. CONCLUSIONS This survey provided an ordering of major risk factors influencing decision making to protect an unborn baby from the perspective of experienced social workers and midwives. The study helps professionals in judging the seriousness of risk factors. The interaction effects between risks requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Mc Elhinney
- Maternal Fetal and Infant Research Centre, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
| | - Brian J Taylor
- School of Applied Social & Policy Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
| | - Marlene Sinclair
- Maternal Fetal and Infant Research Centre, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
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22
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Todahl JL, Schnabler S, Barkhurst PD, Ratliff M, Cook K, Franz D, Schwartz S, Shen F, Trevino S. Stewards of Children: A Qualitative Study of Organization and Community Impact. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2021; 30:146-166. [PMID: 33565385 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2021.1885547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is a persistent public health, human rights, and social justice issue that continues at unacceptable levels. This qualitative study investigated organizational and community impact of Stewards of Children (SOC) in the context of a statewide initiative to prevent child sexual abuse. Participants, representing 11 sites, were SOC trainers or in administrative and leadership roles with their organizations. The study focused on four research questions: 1) How has your organization been impacted (by SOC), if at all? 2) How have your relationships with other organizations and groups changed, if at all? 3) How has the perception of your organization changed in the community, if at all? and 4) Have you noticed changes in your community as a result of Stewards of Children trainings? The findings include three themes and seven subthemes. Participants uniformly agreed that SOC had an impact on their organization, their relationship with partner and new-partner organizations, and that it contributed to increased awareness about a) the problem of child sexual abuse overall, b) their organization among multiple groups and partners, and c) the full array of services and expertise provided by SOC organizations.
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23
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[The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care of Abused Children and Adolescents]. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr 2021; 70:40-63. [PMID: 33459222 DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2021.70.1.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care of Abused Children and Adolescents In the following article, an overview of the current German health care situation concerning child abuse, neglect and maltreatment is provided. Interdisciplinary institutions of child protection are important initial contact points for families and professionals wishing to receive help. Furthermore, trauma clinics, victim support organizations and specialized counselling centers are indispensable to meet the complex needs of victims. Overall, the availability and accessibility of the support system in Germany is still insufficient and the number of unknown and untreated cases remains high. An improvement of the current situation should be of high governmental priority.
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24
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Jud A, Mitrovic T, Portmann R, Gonthier H, Fux E, Koehler J, Kosirnik C, Knüsel R. Multi-sectoral response to child maltreatment in Switzerland for different age groups: Varying rates of reported incidents and gaps in identification. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 111:104798. [PMID: 33213853 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As many countries lack (multi-sectoral) data on the epidemiology of agency responses to child maltreatment, they do not know if children in different regions of the country have equal chances to receive help and protection. The Optimus Study, the first nationally representative Swiss study on multi-sectoral responses to child maltreatment, examines gaps in identifying children in need and reveals opportunities for improved support and protection. METHODS A stratified sample of 351 agencies (participation rate 81 %) in the social and health sector, public child protection, and the penal sector provided data on new cases between September 1 and November 30, 2016. The resulting study data on 7651 cases included information on the maltreatment incident, specifics of the report/referral, and child characteristics. The weighting procedure to produce national estimates was based on inverse sampling probabilities and inverse response rates. RESULTS In the 3-month period, an estimated 10,335 cases were referred/reported to agencies in multiple sectors of the child protection system in Switzerland. This corresponded to 66 cases per 10,000 children. Rates were highest for adolescents (aged 13+), with 69 cases per 10,000 children. Lower rates for school-aged children coincided with a relatively low percentage of reports/referrals from the schools (8 %). Regional variance was extensive, with rates more than quadrupling from a low of 26 cases to a high of 107 cases per 10,000 children. Types of child maltreatment handled by agencies in the different sectors varied. Gender distribution was lopsided for sexual abuse, with many more girls experiencing incidents of sexual abuse, and unequal for incidents of neglect and psychological maltreatment. CONCLUSIONS There are gaps in the identification of maltreated preschoolers. Promoting health checkups for this age group is a potential solution. However, school-aged children up to age 11 are underreported as well, as the schools contribute only marginally to child maltreatment reporting. The findings of the study are being used to initiate the implementation of continuous and multi-sectoral child maltreatment surveillance in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Jud
- University of Ulm, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry / Psychotherapy, Germany; Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, School of Social Work, Switzerland.
| | - Tanja Mitrovic
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, School of Social Work, Switzerland.
| | - Rahel Portmann
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, School of Social Work, Switzerland.
| | | | | | - Jana Koehler
- Saarland University, German Resesarch Center for Artificial Intelligence, Germany.
| | - Céline Kosirnik
- University of Lausanne, Institute of Sport Sciences, Switzerland.
| | - René Knüsel
- University of Lausanne, Observatory on Child Maltreatment, Switzerland.
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Rebbe R, Martinson ML, Mienko JA. The Incidence of Child Maltreatment Resulting in Hospitalizations for Children Under Age 3 Years. J Pediatr 2021; 228:228-234. [PMID: 32822739 PMCID: PMC7752851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the incidence of child maltreatment-related hospitalizations for children under 3 years for the population of Washington State. STUDY DESIGN A population-based study using retrospective linked administrative data for all children born in Washington State from 2000 through 2013 (n = 1 191 802). The dataset was composed of linked birth and hospitalization records for the entire state. Child maltreatment-related hospitalizations were identified using diagnostic codes, both specifically attributed to and suggestive of maltreatment. Incidence were calculated for the population, by birth year, by sex, and by maltreatment subtype. RESULTS A total of 3885 hospitalizations related to child maltreatment were identified for an incidence of 10.87 per 10 000 person-years. Hospitalizations related to child maltreatment accounted for 2.1% of all hospitalizations for children under the age of 3 years. This percentage doubled over time, reaching a high in 2012 (3.6%). More than one-half of all hospitalizations were related to neglect. Maltreatment-related hospitalizations occurred most frequently in the first year of life for all subtypes except for neglect, which occurred the most between 1 and 2 years of age. Male children had higher incidence than female children in general (11.97 vs 9.70 per 10 000 person-years) and across all subtypes. CONCLUSIONS Hospitalizations can be a useful source of population-based child maltreatment surveillance. The identification of neglect-related hospitalizations, likely the result of supervisory neglect, because the most common subtype is an important finding for the development of prevention programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rebbe
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
| | | | - Joseph A Mienko
- Center for Social Sector Analytics & Technology, School of Social Work, University of Washington
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Kosher H, Ben-Arieh A. Children's participation: A new role for children in the field of child maltreatment. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 110:104429. [PMID: 32088006 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The common image of children as vulnerable and needing protection has been destabilized over the past decades. The ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC) has promoted the concepts of children's rights and of children as active citizens who can make decisions about their best interests. Although the CRC encompasses the three P's approach: participation, protection and provision, questions remain as to the interactions of these rights, especially how they can supplement each other and contribute to better well-being for children. This interaction is especially relevant in cases of children in vulnerable situations, such as maltreatment. Over the years the professional discourse on child maltreatment has been focused mostly on protection and provision. Here we discuss the interaction between protection of maltreated children and their participation. Five aspects of child participation in the field of child maltreatment will be presented: children's participation in the definition of child maltreatment phenomena; children's participation in measuring the prevalence of child maltreatment; children's participation in clinical assessments; children's participation in in the decision-making process in child protection system; and children's participation in the efforts to prevent child maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanita Kosher
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfareat the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Asher Ben-Arieh
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Director of the Haruv Institutem, Israel.
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Jud A, Pfeiffer E, Jarczok M. Epidemiology of violence against children in migration: A systematic literature review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 108:104634. [PMID: 32745801 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children in migration experience various forms of violence before, on, and after their migration journey. Epidemiological research on the prevalence of violence in this highly vulnerable group is lacking, however. METHOD A PRISMA-guided systematic literature review with a three-tiered search strategy was conducted by searching academic literature databases and gray literature on websites of international organizations and by contacting experts. All empirical studies published within the last 15 years were eligible. Predefined search terms related to violence, children, epidemiology, and migration were used. FINDINGS Of 1014 records, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 100 to 8,047, with a total of 16,915 children (Mdn = 311). Lifetime prevalence of violence varied considerably: Child physical maltreatment ranged from 9 %-65 % and child sexual abuse from 5 %-20 %. For internally displaced children, violence often occurred at the hands of those who were responsible for their care. Unfortunately, data on the context and country in which the violence occurred-in the country of origin, on route, or in the country of arrival-were lacking. CONCLUSION The discrepancy between the importance of the topic and the dearth of data is striking. Filling the gaps requires not only more rigorous methodology but also more research in general on the epidemiology of violence against children in migration. We outline methodological challenges and draft an agenda for improved data on the topic. There is an urgent need for evidence that supports the development and adaptation of effective, tailored, and child-sensitive prevention and intervention programs for children in migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jud
- University Hospital Ulm, Ulm University, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Steinhoevelstraße 1, 89075 Ulm, Germany; Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, School of Social Work, Lucerne, Switzerland.
| | - E Pfeiffer
- University Hospital Ulm, Ulm University, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Steinhoevelstraße 1, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - M Jarczok
- University Hospital Ulm, Ulm University, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Steinhoevelstraße 1, 89075 Ulm, Germany
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Witt A, Jud A, Finkelhor D, Brähler E, Fegert JM. Monitoring recent trends: The prevalence of disclosure of sexual abuse in a representative sample of the German population based on indicator 16.2.3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 107:104575. [PMID: 32559553 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The monitoring of trends is important. The United Nations (UN) have defined indicators to monitor the proportion of young men and women who have experienced sexual abuse before the age of 18 (Indicator 16.2.3) as part of their global agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). OBJECTIVE To examine recent trends in the disclosure of sexual abuse based on the indicator 16.2.3 of the SDG. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A total of 7530 participants across Germany (51.1% female) were included. The participants were between 14 and 94 years old. METHODS Three representative surveys were conducted using identical methods in 2010 (N = 2504), 2016 (N = 2510) and 2018 (N = 2516). A history of child sexual abuse (CSA) was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The prevalence rates of CSA among the age cohort of 18 to 29-year olds (indicator 16.2.3) were compared across the three waves. RESULTS There was no significant increase of rates in males in this specific age cohort (2010: 7.6%; 2016: 8.5%; 2018: 6.1%), but there was a significant increase among the females of this age cohort (2010: 12.8%; 2016: 13.5%; 2018: 26.1%). The increase was entirely between the survey in 2016 and 2018. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to report on indicator 16.2.3 of UN's SDGs in Germany. The identified increase in rates of sexual abuse among 18-29 year old females might have been triggered by the attention the topic received in the time between 2016 and 2018, especially via social media and the #MeToo debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Witt
- University of Ulm, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Germany.
| | - Andreas Jud
- University of Ulm, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Germany
| | - David Finkelhor
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, United States
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany; Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical School, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg M Fegert
- University of Ulm, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Germany
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Renner LM, Schwab-Reese LM, Coppola EC, Boel-Studt S. The contribution of interpersonal violence victimization types to psychological distress among youth. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 106:104493. [PMID: 32474117 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associations between different types of victimization and symptomology among youth remain unclear due to methodological limitations preventing the identification of the independent contribution of each type of violence. OBJECTIVE The purpose was to examine associations between different types of victimization and the odds of experiencing clinically significant levels of anxiety, depression, and anger/aggression. We also examined the unique contribution of each type of victimization to these outcomes. PARTICIPANTS Participants were a nationally representative sample of youth ages 10-17 (n = 1019) who were residing in the United States when data were collected in 2002-2003. METHODS Youth reported on their experiences of different forms of victimization (e.g., physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sibling abuse, bullying, sexual assault, and witnessing violence) within the past year. Logistic regression and relative weights analyses were used to examine associations between victimization and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger/aggression. RESULTS The prevalence of reported victimization ranged from 1.3 % for neglect to 41.3% for sibling abuse. Physical and emotional child abuse, sibling abuse, bullying, and emotional bullying were associated with increased odds of clinically significant anxiety, depression, and anger/aggression. Witnessing parent intimate partner violence was associated with increased odds of clinically significant anger/aggression. Witnessing parental assault of a sibling was associated with increased odds of clinically significant anxiety and anger/aggression. Emotional bullying predicted the largest percentage of variance in anxiety and depression, followed by emotional abuse and sibling aggression. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the need for further assessment and treatment for sibling abuse and emotional bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynette M Renner
- University of Minnesota, College of Education and Human Development, School of Social Work, United States.
| | - Laura M Schwab-Reese
- Purdue University, College of Health and Human Sciences, Department of Public Health, United States
| | - Elizabeth C Coppola
- Purdue University, College of Health and Human Sciences, Human Development & Family Studies, United States
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Bhatia A, Krieger N, Victora C, Tuladhar S, Bhabha J, Beckfield J. Analyzing and improving national and local child protection data in Nepal: A mixed methods study using 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) data and interviews with 18 organizations. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 101:104292. [PMID: 31855666 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, progress to improve data on child protection outcomes has been slower than efforts to improve data on child nutrition, vaccination and development outcomes in the under-five age group. The Sustainable Development Goals included several child protection targets further necessitating the need to track progress on child protection, but few studies have examined the varied data landscape for child protection within countries. OBJECTIVE This mixed-methods study aims to examine (1) the prevalence of child protection outcomes in Nepal, (2) the types of data the child protection sector uses, and (3) recommendations to improve the collection, analysis and use of child protection data. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING We used: (a) secondary data from the nationally-representative 2014 Nepal MICS which surveyed over 13,000 households to measure the national prevalence of child labor, child marriage, and violent discipline, and (b) primary data from 18 qualitative key informant interviews with organizations in Nepal's child protection sector. METHODS We conducted descriptive quantitative analyses of the secondary data and thematic inductive and deductive qualitative analyses of transcripts of key informant interviews. RESULTS The burden of violent discipline (82%), child labor (37%), child marriage (12%), and their co-occurrence is high in Nepal. Respondents described using a range of data sources which included: large-scale surveys, case data from the police, court system, newspapers, community consultations, and child participation. Recommendations to improve data included developing a national child protection information system, ensuring the definitions of child protection outcomes were comparable across data sources, and improving the dissemination of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amiya Bhatia
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Nancy Krieger
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Cesar Victora
- International Center for Equity in Health, Federal University of Pelotas, Mal. Deodoro, 1160, 3d Floor, Zip Code: 96020-220, Pelotas RS, Brazil.
| | | | - Jacqueline Bhabha
- FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Jason Beckfield
- Department of Sociology, Harvard University, William James Hall, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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Karbasi Z, Kadivar M, Safdari R, Shahmoradi L, Zahmatkeshan M, Zakerabasali S, Abhari S, Sayarifard A. Better monitoring of abused children by designing a child abuse surveillance system: Determining national child abuse minimum data set. Int J Health Plann Manage 2019; 35:843-851. [PMID: 31840288 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring the trend of child abuse can significantly help in measuring the magnitude of the problem and understanding its recurrence. The minimum data set (MDS) is a set of elements of each domain that provides the basis for decision-making. This study was conducted to determine the comprehensive national minimum data set for child abuse surveillance system (CASS) in Iran. METHODS This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were gathered from the selected countries and child abuse registry and surveillance systems. The MDS questionnaire was designed based on a review of the publications and experts' opinions. The final data elements of the CASS were determined using the Delphi technique by visiting pediatricians. RESULTS In total, 147 data elements were included in the Delphi survey. The data elements of the CASS were classified into seven categories as follows: demographic data, incident related data, medical history, diagnostic tests, incident nature, therapeutic measures, and other required data. CONCLUSION The existence of national MDS as the core of the child abuse surveillance program is essential and leads to appropriate decisions in this regard. The MDS can meet the needs of professionals, decision makers, researchers, and policymakers who decide on reducing the incidence of child abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Karbasi
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Kadivar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Safdari
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Shahmoradi
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Zahmatkeshan
- Noncommunicable Disease Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Somayyeh Zakerabasali
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Abhari
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Sayarifard
- Community Based Participatory Research Center, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Dovran A, Winje D, Arefjord K, Tobiassen S, Stokke K, Skogen JC, Øverland S. Associations between adverse childhood experiences and adversities later in life. Survey data from a high-risk Norwegian sample. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 98:104234. [PMID: 31689619 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A history of childhood abuse and neglect (CAN) is associated with exposure to later negative life events. CAN at an early age, multiple cooccurring exposures (cumulative events), and a high severity and frequency of exposure have potential detrimental long-term effects. OBJECTIVE The present study examines the relationship between the severity of CAN and the prevalence of school difficulties and hardship at school, adult adversity and mental health. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS Participants were recruited from in- and outpatient mental health or substance abuse treatment facilities, child protective services (CPS), and prisons (N = 809, age range = 13-66, mean age = 27.62, SD = 10.47). METHODS Exposure to childhood maltreatment was assessed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF). After adjusting for gender and age, we conducted a risk ratio regression analysis to investigate associations between severity of child abuse and neglect and hardship at school, adult adversity and adult mental health. RESULTS The moderate and severe level groups of CAN had statistically significant higher risk ratios for experiences of school difficulties, hardship at school, adult adversity and mental health problems. A robust dose-response was found between severity levels. CONCLUSION At an individual level the findings highlight the association between exposure to abuse and adult adversity, underscoring the importance of targeting individuals with high risk of exposure to CAN to reduce the negative long-term risk for Polyvictimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Dovran
- Stine Sofies Foundation & Stine Sofie Centre, Grimstad, Norway; Department of Psychosocial Health, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway; Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Dagfinn Winje
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjersti Arefjord
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stian Tobiassen
- Stine Sofies Foundation & Stine Sofie Centre, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Kristin Stokke
- Stine Sofies Foundation & Stine Sofie Centre, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway; Alcohol & Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Simon Øverland
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway; Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Pezzoli P, Antfolk J, Hatoum AS, Santtila P. Genetic Vulnerability to Experiencing Child Maltreatment. Front Genet 2019; 10:852. [PMID: 31608106 PMCID: PMC6758596 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Although biological factors may influence the risk of experiencing negative life events, the role of genes in the vulnerability to child victimization remains poorly understood. In a large population-based Finnish sample (N = 13,024), we retrospectively measured multiple experiences of child victimization and, in a subsample of twins (n = 9,562), we estimated the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influenced these experiences. In particular, we investigated whether genetic and environmental influences varied depending on the type of child victimization, the genetic relatedness with the perpetrator, and the sex of the victim. Our quantitative genetic analyses supported the presence of both genetic and environmental influences on the occurrence and co-occurrence of child abuse and neglect. We also identified one common etiological pathway underlying multiple child victimizations, and after accounting for this common etiology, we singled out risk factors specific to sexual abuse. Environmental factors shared and nonshared between twins raised together influenced the risk of victimization by genetically related and unrelated perpetrators, respectively. Furthermore, we estimated sex differences in the etiology of emotional and sexual victimization, including larger unshared environmental influences for men and sex-limited genetic effects for women. These findings can inform child protection as they contribute to explaining why certain individuals are at increased risk of experiencing one or more types of child maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Pezzoli
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Jan Antfolk
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Alexander S Hatoum
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Abstract
AbstractCompared with policy related to child abuse, older adult protection policy developed later and made slower progress in the United States of America. Few studies have addressed older adult protection policy. This paper compares the two policies and provides implications about how to improve older adult protection policy by emulating child protection policy. The Dimensions of Choice Framework was utilised to illuminate the differences between child protection and older adult protection policies (i.e. allocation, provisions, delivery and finance), while Advocacy Coalition Framework theory was used to explain why these differences exist (i.e. the contentions between ally and opposite coalitions). The Dimensions of Choice Framework refined the descriptive comparison of the two policies while the Advocacy Coalition Framework unfolded the efforts and struggles between advocacy coalitions that result in policy changes; and the conceptual combination further provides a cross-disciplinary link between social work and public policy studies. Findings indicated that, compared to child protection policy, older adult protection policy lacked federal legislative and administrative direction, well-developed diagnosis and evaluation tools, a national data system, sufficient federal funds and a comprehensive response mechanism. This was the case because older adult protection advocates presented a more controversial argument regarding the role of government intervention in protecting victims while respecting individual autonomy, lower public and government awareness, and weaker efforts from ally coalitions.
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Stein MB, Campbell-Sills L, Ursano RJ, Rosellini AJ, Colpe LJ, He F, Heeringa SG, Nock MK, Sampson NA, Schoenbaum M, Sun X, Jain S, Kessler RC. Childhood Maltreatment and Lifetime Suicidal Behaviors Among New Soldiers in the US Army: Results From the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). J Clin Psychiatry 2019; 79:16m10900. [PMID: 28541647 PMCID: PMC6460907 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.16m10900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding suicide risk is a priority for the US military. We aimed to estimate associations of childhood maltreatment with pre-enlistment suicidal behaviors in new Army soldiers. METHODS Cross-sectional survey data from 38,237 soldiers reporting for basic training from April 2011 through November 2012 were analyzed. Scales assessing retrospectively reported childhood abuse and neglect were derived and subjected to latent class analysis, which yielded 5 profiles: No Maltreatment, Episodic Emotional Maltreatment, Frequent Emotional/Physical Maltreatment, Episodic Emotional/Sexual Abuse, and Frequent Emotional/Physical/Sexual Maltreatment. Discrete-time survival analysis was used to estimate associations of maltreatment profiles with suicidal behaviors (assessed with a modified Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale), adjusting for sociodemographics and mental disorders. RESULTS Nearly 1 in 5 new soldiers was classified as experiencing childhood maltreatment. Relative to No Maltreatment, all multivariate maltreatment profiles were associated (P values < .001) with elevated odds of lifetime suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] = 3.10-4.93), plan (AORs = 3.75-10.77), attempt (AORs = 3.60-15.95), and onset of plan among those with ideation (AORs = 1.40-3.10). Several profiles also predicted attempts among those with plans (AORs = 2.01-2.47), and Frequent Emotional/Physical/Sexual Maltreatment predicted unplanned attempts among ideators (AOR = 5.32). Adjustment for mental disorders attenuated but did not eliminate these associations. CONCLUSIONS Childhood maltreatment is strongly associated with suicidal behavior among new soldiers, even after adjusting for intervening mental disorders. Among soldiers with lifetime ideation, certain maltreatment profiles are associated with elevated odds of subsequently planning and/or attempting suicide. Focus on childhood maltreatment might reveal avenues for risk reduction among new soldiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray B Stein
- Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego (Mail Code 0855), 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093-0855.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Laura Campbell-Sills
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Robert J Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anthony J Rosellini
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa J Colpe
- National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Feng He
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Steven G Heeringa
- University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Matthew K Nock
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nancy A Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Xiaoying Sun
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sonia Jain
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Jonson-Reid M, Chiang CJ, Kohl P, Drake B, Brown D, Guo S, Kim H, McBride T. Repeat reports among cases reported for child neglect: A scoping review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 92:43-65. [PMID: 30927611 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States (US), child welfare policy prioritizes prevention of future harm (e.g., repeat reports) after a report of maltreatment. The majority of reports include some form of child neglect, but no prior review of the recurrence literature has focused on neglect. OBJECTIVE This review sought to help guide future research, policy and practice by summarizing recurrence findings related to child neglect with attention to the broader ecological context in which maltreatment occurs. PARTICIPANTS The final review included 34 US studies of maltreatment recurrence. Twenty-eight studies compared child neglect with at least one other form of maltreatment and six studies examined recurrence among neglect cases. METHODS Eleven online databases were searched to locate relevant empirical studies. This review attended specifically to contextualizing findings according to other modifiable factors as well as methodological variation. A scoping review approach was used to summarize findings. RESULTS Of the 28 studies comparing neglect to other types of maltreatment, 14 found increased risk for neglect, 12 found no association, and two reported a lower risk. When significant, the effect size ranged from 10% to over three times higher risk for neglect. Poverty or material need was the most commonly included control (15 studies), with two thirds finding that lower resource families had higher risk. CONCLUSION Methodological variability across studies confounds current ability to guide practice or policy. More research is needed that can replicate and extend findings with comparable samples and model specifications that take into account the regional and policy context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chien-Jen Chiang
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, United States
| | - Patricia Kohl
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, United States
| | - Brett Drake
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, United States
| | - Derek Brown
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, United States
| | - Shenyang Guo
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, United States
| | - Hyunil Kim
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Timothy McBride
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, United States
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Atiqul Haque M, Janson S, Moniruzzaman S, Rahman AKMF, Islam SS, Mashreky SR, Eriksson UB. Children's exposure to physical abuse from a child perspective: A population-based study in rural Bangladesh. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212428. [PMID: 30779784 PMCID: PMC6380542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although child physical abuse (CPA) is considered as a major global public health problem, it has not yet been recognized as such in Bangladesh. Very few studies have assessed the prevalence and victims’ characteristics of multiple forms of CPA. Objective This population-based study assessed the prevalence of CPA committed by adults in a rural area of Bangladesh and examined its association with demographic and socio-contextual factors. Methods Data were obtained using ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool for Children (ICAST-C) in a random sample of 1416 children (49% girls, 51% boys) aged 11 to 17 years by face-to-face interviews during March-April 2017. The response rate was 91.5%. To estimate predictors of CPA, physical abuse was categorized into frequent and less frequent groups. Results The prevalence of at least one form (≥ 1), two forms (≥2) and three or more forms (≥ 3) of CPA were estimated approximately to 99%, 95% and 83% in their lifetime and 93%, 79%, and 57% in the past year respectively. Hitting (except on buttocks), standing/kneeling and slapping were the most common physical abuse whereas given drugs or alcohol, pinched, burned or scalded, beaten-up and locked up were less reported. Female children were faced severe forms of CPA more than that of males. Male children, younger age groups, witnessing adults using weapons at home, bullied by siblings and low level of maternal education were found to be significant risk factors for both ≥ 1 form and ≥ 2 forms of frequent CPA whereas adding also adult shouting in a frightening way was found as a significant risk factor for ≥ 2 forms of frequent CPA. Conclusion Self-reported prevalence of CPA is extremely common in the Bangladeshi rural society. The prevalence was associated with demographic and socio-contextual characteristics of the children such as being younger, witnessing domestic violence and maternal low education. The findings provide evidence to support parents and policy-makers to take effective measures to implement policy and programme on alternative up-bringing methods and creating awareness of negative effects of CM which in turn help Bangladesh to line up with UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the country signed in 1990.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Atiqul Haque
- Public Health Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Staffan Janson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Syed Moniruzzaman
- Risk and Environmental Studies, Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - A. K. M. Fazlur Rahman
- Center for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh, New DOHS, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Darus Salam, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Syed Shariful Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Saidur Rahman Mashreky
- Center for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh, New DOHS, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Darus Salam, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ulla-Britt Eriksson
- Public Health Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
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Degli Esposti M, Taylor J, Humphreys DK, Bowes L. iCoverT: A rich data source on the incidence of child maltreatment over time in England and Wales. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201223. [PMID: 30148834 PMCID: PMC6110478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Child maltreatment is a major public health problem, which is plagued with research challenges. Good epidemiological data can help to establish the nature and scope of past and present child maltreatment, and monitor its progress going forward. However, high quality data sources are currently lacking for England and Wales. We employed systematic methodology to harness pre-existing datasets (including non-digitalised datasets) and develop a rich data source on the incidence of Child maltreatment over Time (iCoverT) in England and Wales. The iCoverT consists of six databases and accompanying data documentation: Child Protection Statistics, Children In Care Statistics, Criminal Statistics, Homicide Index, Mortality Statistics and NSPCC Statistics. Each database is a unique indicator of child maltreatment incidence with 272 data variables in total. The databases span from 1858 to 2016 and therefore extends current data sources by over 80 years. We present a proof-of-principle analysis of a subset of the data to show how time series methods may be used to address key research challenges. This example demonstrates the utility of iCoverT and indicates that it will prove to be a valuable data source for researchers, clinicians and policy-makers concerned with child maltreatment. The iCoverT is freely available at the Open Science Framework (osf.io/cf7mv).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Degli Esposti
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Jonathan Taylor
- Faculty of History, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David K. Humphreys
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Bowes
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Karatekin C, Almy B, Mason SM, Borowsky I, Barnes A. Documentation of Child Maltreatment in Electronic Health Records. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2018; 57:1041-1052. [PMID: 29168394 DOI: 10.1177/0009922817743571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
International Classification of Diseases codes for child maltreatment can aid surveillance and research, but the extent to which they are used is not well established. We documented prevalence of the use of maltreatment-related codes, examined demographic characteristics of youth assigned these codes, and compared results with previous studies. Data were extracted from electronic health records of 0- to 21-year-olds assigned 1 of 15 maltreatment-related International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes who had encounters in a large medical system over a 4-year period. Only 0.02% of approximately 2.5 million youth had a maltreatment-related code, replicating other studies. Results provide a dramatic contrast to much higher rates based on self-report or informant-report and referrals to Child Protective Services. Lack of documentation of maltreatment in electronic health records can lead to missed chances at early intervention, inadequate coordination of health care, insufficient allocation of resources to addressing problems related to maltreatment, and flawed public health data.
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Witt A, Glaesmer H, Jud A, Plener PL, Brähler E, Brown RC, Fegert JM. Trends in child maltreatment in Germany: comparison of two representative population-based studies. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2018; 12:24. [PMID: 29849753 PMCID: PMC5970447 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-018-0232-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child maltreatment of all types is a serious concern for society, and it is important to monitor trends in incidence in order to inform child welfare agencies and policy-makers about emerging issues. In Germany, however, information on such trends is limited: apart from official sources, the only published study is a comparison of surveys conducted in 1992 and 2011 that had focused primarily on sexual abuse. The present study is the first to look at more recent trends and to examine other types of maltreatment as well. METHODS We compared the datasets of two population-based nationwide surveys, one conducted in 2010 (N = 2504) and the other in 2016 (N = 2510). Both had used identical methodology. Participants aged 14 years and older had been selected randomly using the Kish selection grid method, and information about childhood experiences of abuse had been solicited using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. RESULTS The overall percentage of respondents who reported having experienced at least one type of child maltreatment decreased over the 6 years, from 35.3% in 2010 to 31.0% in 2016; however, the percentages who reported multiple types of maltreatment remained stable. The decrease in any type of maltreatment was mainly driven by fewer reports of physical neglect, which was likelier to be reported by older respondents who had experienced privation during the (post-) war years and whose representation was lower in the later survey. There was a significant increase over time in the prevalence of emotional abuse, with respondents aged 26-45 years reporting higher rates of this type of maltreatment. The prevalence rates of other types of maltreatment remained unchanged. All effect sizes were very small. CONCLUSIONS At present, the systems in place in Germany for monitoring the occurrence of child maltreatment are insufficient. While this study contributes to a better understanding, more information is needed, particularly on populations that have been excluded or underrepresented in previous research efforts. As has been done elsewhere, large databases should be set up, using identical methodologies and definitions, in order to accurately assess trends over time in different types of abuse and neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Witt
- 0000 0004 1936 9748grid.6582.9Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Heide Glaesmer
- 0000 0001 2230 9752grid.9647.cDepartment of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Jud
- 0000 0004 1936 9748grid.6582.9Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Paul L. Plener
- 0000 0004 1936 9748grid.6582.9Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- 0000 0001 2230 9752grid.9647.cDepartment of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany ,grid.410607.4Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rebecca C. Brown
- 0000 0004 1936 9748grid.6582.9Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jörg M. Fegert
- 0000 0004 1936 9748grid.6582.9Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075 Ulm, Germany
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McElearney A, Brennan-Wilson A, Murphy C, Stephenson P, Bunting B. Cluster randomised controlled trial of 'whole school' child maltreatment prevention programme in primary schools in Northern Ireland: study protocol for Keeping Safe. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:590. [PMID: 29724196 PMCID: PMC5934867 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5492-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child maltreatment has a pervasive, detrimental impact on children's wellbeing. Despite a growing focus on prevention through school based education, few programmes adopt a whole- school approach, are multi-component, seek to address all forms of maltreatment, or indeed have been robustly evaluated. This paper describes a cluster randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate a school based child maltreatment prevention programme: 'Keeping Safe' in primary schools in Northern Ireland. The intervention has been designed by a non-profit agency. Programme resources include 63 lessons taught incrementally to children between four and 11 years old, and is premised on three core themes: healthy relationships, my body, and being safe. There are programme resources to engage parents and to build the capacity and skills of school staff. METHODS/DESIGN A cluster Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) will be conducted with children in 80 schools over a two-year period. The unit of randomisation is the school. Schools will be allocated to intervention or wait-list control groups using a computer-generated list. Data will be collected at three time points: baseline, end of year one, and end of year two of programme implementation. Primary outcomes will include: children's understanding of key programme concepts, self-efficacy to keep safe in situations of maltreatment, anxiety arising from programme participation, and disclosure of maltreatment. Secondary outcomes include teachers' comfort and confidence in teaching the programme and parents' confidence in talking to their children about programme concepts. DISCUSSION This RCT will address gaps in current practice and evidence regarding school based child maltreatment prevention programmes. This includes the use of a whole- school approach and multi-component programme that addresses all maltreatment concepts, a two-year period of programme implementation, and the tracking of outcomes for children, parents, and teachers. Methodologically, it will extend our understanding and learning in: capturing sensitive outcome data from young children, adapting and using standardised measures with children of different ages, the use of school level administrative data on staff reports/children's disclosure of maltreatment as behavioural outcomes, and the conduct of complex trials within the busy school environment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02961010 (Retrospectively registered 8 November 2016).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling McElearney
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Northern Ireland Regional Office, Lanyon Building, North Derby Street, Belfast, BT15 3HN, Northern Ireland.
| | - Aoibheann Brennan-Wilson
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Northern Ireland Regional Office, Lanyon Building, North Derby Street, Belfast, BT15 3HN, Northern Ireland
| | - Christina Murphy
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Northern Ireland Regional Office, Lanyon Building, North Derby Street, Belfast, BT15 3HN, Northern Ireland
| | - Phyllis Stephenson
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Northern Ireland Regional Office, Lanyon Building, North Derby Street, Belfast, BT15 3HN, Northern Ireland
| | - Brendan Bunting
- Bamford Centre, Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
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[Gender-specific Differences in the Degree of Burden on Children and Adolescents Taken into Custody]. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr 2018; 67:48-62. [PMID: 29347894 DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2018.67.1.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Gender-specific Differences in the Degree of Burden on Children and Adolescents Taken into Custody Children and adolescents who were taken into care are a high-risk group for mental disorders such as externalizing problems or conduct disorders. 95 children and adolescents who were taken into care were tested with the Screening Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument 2 (MAYSI-2). In a large proportion of those children and adolescents emotional and physical neglect and abuse was identified. There were sex differences in suicidal thoughts, somatoform disorders, and emotional abuse. The knowledge of mental disorders as well as the gender-specific characteristics is important for specialists of inhospital institutions, in order to optimize their quality of care.
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Jud A, Kosirnik C, Mitrovic T, Ben Salah H, Fux E, Koehler J, Portmann R, Knüsel R. Mobilizing agencies for incidence surveys on child maltreatment: successful participation in Switzerland and lessons learned. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2018; 12:3. [PMID: 29308087 PMCID: PMC5751835 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-017-0211-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many countries around the world lack data on the epidemiology of agency response to child maltreatment. They therefore lack information on how many children in need get help and protection or if children stand equal chances across regions to get services. However, it has proven difficult to commit child protection agencies to participation in incidence studies. METHODS The Optimus Study invested in a continuous collaborative effort between research and practice to develop a data collection for the first national study on the incidence of agency responses to all forms of child maltreatment in Switzerland. An innovative approach of utilizing individual agencies' standardized data reduced work burden for participation respectably: any arbitrary excerpt of data on new cases between September 1 and November 30, 2016, could be uploaded to a secured web-based data integration platform. It was then mapped automatically to fit the study's definitions and operationalizations. RESULTS This strategy has led to a largely successful participation rate of 76% of agencies in the nationwide sample. 253 agencies from the social and health sector, public child protection, and the penal sector have provided data. CONCLUSIONS Valuing agencies context-specific knowledge and expertise instead of viewing them as mere providers of data is a precondition for representativeness of incidence data on agency responses to child maltreatment. Potential investigators of future similar studies might benefit from the lessons learned of the presented project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Jud
- 0000 0004 1936 9748grid.6582.9Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany ,0000 0001 2191 8943grid.425064.1School of Social Work, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Céline Kosirnik
- 0000 0001 2165 4204grid.9851.5Observatory on Child Maltreatment, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Mitrovic
- 0000 0001 2191 8943grid.425064.1School of Social Work, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Hakim Ben Salah
- 0000 0001 2165 4204grid.9851.5Observatory on Child Maltreatment, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Etienne Fux
- 0000 0001 2191 8943grid.425064.1School of Information Technology, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | - Jana Koehler
- 0000 0001 2191 8943grid.425064.1School of Information Technology, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | - Rahel Portmann
- 0000 0001 2191 8943grid.425064.1School of Social Work, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - René Knüsel
- 0000 0001 2165 4204grid.9851.5Observatory on Child Maltreatment, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Boschen KE, Keller SM, Roth TL, Klintsova AY. Epigenetic mechanisms in alcohol- and adversity-induced developmental origins of neurobehavioral functioning. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2018; 66:63-79. [PMID: 29305195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The long-term effects of developmental alcohol and stress exposure are well documented in both humans and non-human animal models. Damage to the brain and attendant life-long impairments in cognition and increased risk for psychiatric disorders are debilitating consequences of developmental exposure to alcohol and/or psychological stress. Here we discuss evidence for a role of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating these consequences. While we highlight some of the common ways in which stress or alcohol impact the epigenome, we point out that little is understood of the epigenome's response to experiencing both stress and alcohol exposure, though stress is a contributing factor as to why women drink during pregnancy. Advancing our understanding of this relationship is of critical concern not just for the health and well-being of individuals directly exposed to these teratogens, but for generations to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Boschen
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - S M Keller
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - T L Roth
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
| | - A Y Klintsova
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
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Lee SW, Bae GY, Rim HD, Lee SJ, Chang SM, Kim BS, Won S. Mediating Effect of Resilience on the Association between Emotional Neglect and Depressive Symptoms. Psychiatry Investig 2018; 15:62-69. [PMID: 29422927 PMCID: PMC5795033 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2018.15.1.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have reported that childhood maltreatment experiences could induce biological and psychological vulnerability in depressive disorders. However, it is still unclear that type-specific effects of childhood maltreatment on psychological resilience, depressive symptoms and interactions among childhood maltreatment experiences, resilience, and depressive symptoms. METHODS A total of 438 medical students were included in the study. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, the Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory were used for measuring childhood maltreatment experiences, psychological resilience, and depressive symptoms, respectively. We investigated the effects of childhood maltreatment experiences on resilience and depressive symptoms using correlation analysis. In addition, we analyzed the mediating effect of resilience on the association between childhood maltreatment and symptoms of depression. RESULTS Among childhood maltreatment, emotional neglect was a significant predictor of the scores of low resilience and high depressive symptoms in both gender groups (all ps<0.05). Furthermore, resilience was found to be a mediator connecting emotional neglect experiences with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that emotional neglect has detrimental effects on mood and resilience, and clinicians need to focus on the recovery of resilience when they deal with depressive symptoms in victims of childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Won Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Geum Ye Bae
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Deog Rim
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Jae Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Man Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Soo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Won
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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Witt A, Brown RC, Plener PL, Brähler E, Fegert JM. Child maltreatment in Germany: prevalence rates in the general population. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2017; 11:47. [PMID: 28974983 PMCID: PMC5621113 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-017-0185-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child maltreatment and its consequences are considered a major public health problem. So far, there is only one study from Germany reporting prevalence rates on different types of maltreatment. METHODS A representative sample of the German general population was examined for experiences of child maltreatment using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) between September and November 2016. A total of 2510 (53.3% female) participants between 14 and 94 years (M = 48.8 years) were enrolled. Besides the CTQ, a range of sociodemographic information was collected. The interrelatedness of different types of maltreatment was examined using configuration analysis and predictors for maltreatment were identified by performing binary logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Overall, 2.6% (f: 3.9%, m: 1.2%) of all participants reported severe emotional abuse, 3.3% (f: 3.4%, m: 3.3%) severe physical abuse, 2.3% (f: 3.7%, m: 0.7%) severe sexual abuse, 7.1% (f: 8.1%, m: 5.9%) severe emotional neglect and 9% (f: 9.2%, m: 8.9%) severe physical neglect. Women were more likely to report at least moderate sexual and emotional abuse than men. The largest difference between age groups was reported for physical neglect, with participants aged over 70 years reporting the highest rates. Participants who reported childhood maltreatment were more likely to be unemployed or have lower educational outcomes. The most common combination of maltreatment types were physical and emotional neglect, all five types of maltreatment combined and physical and emotional neglect and physical abuse combined. CONCLUSIONS Child maltreatment, especially physical neglect is common in the German population. Women seem to be at greater risk for sexual and emotional abuse than men. Knowledge about different types of maltreatment based on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) can help to put findings of future studies into an epidemiological and societal context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Witt
- 0000 0004 1936 9748grid.6582.9Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89073 Ulm, Germany
| | - Rebecca C. Brown
- 0000 0004 1936 9748grid.6582.9Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89073 Ulm, Germany
| | - Paul L. Plener
- 0000 0004 1936 9748grid.6582.9Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89073 Ulm, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- grid.410607.4Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,0000 0001 2230 9752grid.9647.cDepartment of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg M. Fegert
- 0000 0004 1936 9748grid.6582.9Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89073 Ulm, Germany
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