Study of the Differential Consequences of Neglect and Poverty on Adaptive and Maladaptive Behavior in Children

Prevalence and factors associated child neglect in a Brazilian state

ABSTRACT Objective To quantify the prevalence of neglect against the child and identify its associated factors, based on the cases reported in the state of Espírito Santo between 2011 and 2018. Methods Cross-sectional study with data reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) with all reported cases of child neglect from 2011 to 2018 in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The characteristics of the victim, author, and aggression were studied, and the associations were analyzed by Poisson regression. Results The frequency of neglect was 31.3%, being more prevalent in males (PR: 1.48; 95%CI: 1.34-1.63); for the age group of zero to two years (PR: 3.05; 95%CI: 2.65-3.51); among female aggressors (PR: 16.20; 95%CI: 9.98-26.32), and regarding the bond to the victim, we note the highest prevalence of parents/stepfathers (PR: 6.69; 95%CI: 4.16-10.74), both parents (PR: 4.41; 95%CI: 2.84-6.85) and mothers/stepmothers (PR: 2.94; 95%CI: 2.20-3.93). Conclusions and Implications for the practice The magnitude of child neglect in Espírito Santo was significant, showing the need to advance in the understanding of this phenomenon and in the implementation of expanded intersectoral public policies aimed at ensuring adequate conditions for growth and development in childhood.

Prevalência e fatores associados à negligência contra crianças em um estado brasileiro

RESUMO Objetivo Quantificar a prevalência da negligência contra a criança e identificar seus fatores associados, a partir dos casos notificados no estado do Espírito Santo no período entre 2011 e 2018. Métodos Estudo transversal com dados notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) com todos os casos notificados de negligência contra a criança no período de 2011 a 2018 no Espírito Santo, Brasil. Foram estudadas as características da vítima, do autor e da agressão e as associações foram analisadas por meio da Regressão de Poisson. Resultados A frequência de negligência foi 31,3%, sendo mais prevalente no sexo masculino (RP: 1,48; IC95%: 1,34-1,63); na faixa etária de 0 a 2 anos (RP: 3,05; IC95%: 2,65-3,51); entre agressores do sexo feminino (RP: 16,20; IC95%: 9,98-26,32), e, em relação ao vínculo nota-se a maior prevalência de pais/padrastos (RP: 6,69; IC95%: 4,16-10,74), ambos os pais (RP: 4,41; IC95%: 2,84-6,85) e mães/madrastas (RP: 2,94; IC95%: 2,20-3,93). Conclusões e Implicações para a prática A magnitude de negligência contra crianças no Espírito Santo foi expressiva, demonstrando a necessidade de avançar no entendimento deste fenômeno e na implementação de políticas públicas intersetoriais ampliadas que visem garantir condições adequadas para o crescimento e desenvolvimento na infância.

Adaptive Behavior in Slovak Children with Intellectual Disability in Institutional Care

This study aimed to analyze the adaptive skills of children with intellectual disabilities in institutional care. We focused on communication, socialization, daily living skills and their relationship with risk factors, and institutional care. Our sample included 197 children aged 5−18 years (M = 12.8, SD = 2.97), 50% boys, with IQ < 85 placed in different types and lengths of stay in institutional care. There were 17% that presented with borderline intellectual functioning (IQ 84−87) and 83% that had intellect disabilities. Adaptive behavior (AB) was assessed by Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS-3). The BIF and Mild ID groups did not differ in Socialization. The profile of adaptive behavior for BIF and Mild ID was Daily Living Skills > Communication > Socialization, and for Moderate and Severe ID, Socialization > Daily Living Skills > Communication. Longer institutional care was associated with lower competencies in AB. Gender differences were found, females overperformed males in Socialization, Daily Living Skills, and ABC score. Levels of ID, gender, length of stay in institutional care, and neonatal difficulties were significant predictors in the model which explain the 63% variance of AB. The practical implications of the results are discussed related to the assessment of ID, prevention, and care for institutionalized children.