Analysis of contextual variables in the evaluation of child abuse in the pediatric emergency setting
Journal Title: Jornal de Pediatria - Year 2017, Vol 93, Issue 4
Abstract
Objective This article comprises a sample of abuse modalities observed in a pediatric emergency room of a public hospital in the Lisbon metropolitan area and a multifactorial characterization of physical and sexual violence. The objectives are: (1) to discuss the importance of social and family variables in the configuration of both types of violence; (2) to show how physical and sexual violence have subtypes and internal diversity. Methods A statistical analysis was carried out in a database (1063 records of child abuse between 2004 and 2013). A form was applied to cases with suspected abuse, containing data on the child, family, abuse episode, abuser, medical history, and clinical observation. A factorial analysis of multiple correspondence was performed to identify patterns of association between social variables and physical and sexual violence, as well as their internal diversity. Results The prevalence of abuse in this pediatric emergency room was 0.6%. Physical violence predominated (69.4%), followed by sexual violence (39.3%). Exploratory profiles of these types of violence were constructed. Regarding physical violence, the gender of the abuser was the first differentiating dimension; the victim's gender and age range were the second one. In the case of sexual violence, the age of the abuser and co-residence with him/her comprised the first dimension; the victim's age and gender comprised the second dimension. Conclusion Patterns of association between victims, family contexts, and abusers were identified. It is necessary to alert clinicians about the importance of social variables in the multiple facets of child abuse.
Authors and Affiliations
Vasco Ramos
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP503566
- DOI 10.1016/j.jped.2016.09.005
- Views 53
- Downloads 0
Comparison of biochemical and immunological profile of pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia in relation to healthy individuals
Objective To compare the biochemical and immunological profiles of pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with healthy children and adolescents. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which 21 therapy...
Day care attendance during the first 12 months of life and occurrence of infectious morbidities and symptoms
Objective To investigate the occurrence of infectious morbidities according to day care attendance during the first year of life. Methods This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 12-month follow-up of a mediu...
Early changes in adipokines from overweight to obesity in children and adolescents
Objective Childhood obesity has been associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to compare plasma levels of traditional metabolic markers, adipokines and soluble tumor necrosis facto...
Sensory abnormalities in children with autism spectrum disorder
Objective The clinical picture of children with autism spectrum disorder is characterized by deficits of social interaction and communication, as well as by repetitive interests and activities. Sensory abnormalities are...
Use of digital media for the education of health professionals in the treatment of childhood asthma
Article informationAbstract Full Text Bibliography Download PDF Statistics ABSTRACT Objectives Inhalation therapy is the main treatment for asthma and its adequate use has been a factor responsible for disease control;...