Child maltreatment between knowledge, attitude and beliefs among Saudi pediatricians, pediatric residency trainees and medical students

Yossef Alnasser, Amani Albijadi, Waad Abdullah, Dana Aldabeeb, Alanoud Alomair, Sara Alsaddiqi, Yara Alsalloum, Yossef Alnasser, Amani Albijadi, Waad Abdullah, Dana Aldabeeb, Alanoud Alomair, Sara Alsaddiqi, Yara Alsalloum

Abstract

Background: Child maltreatment is not included in Saudi medical schools and pediatric residency curriculums, which might limit knowledge and spread misconceptions. Additionally, physicians might have different attitudes regarding reporting child abuse and neglect. In this study, we hypothesize that medical students and pediatric trainees have limited knowledge, oblivious attitude and misbeliefs regarding child maltreatment in comparison to experienced pediatricians. But, medical students and trainees might hold higher motives and willingness to learn about child maltreatment and their consequences.

Methods: A self reported questionnaire was distributed after a pilot study to include pediatricians, pediatrics trainees and medical students in all main areas of pediatrics services: pediatrics wards, pediatrics outpatient clinics, critical care and pediatrics emergency.

Results: In disregard to their level of training, medical students and physicians believed that child maltreatment happens within the kingdom and is common. They were familiar with the child maltreatment definition, although only one third thought it is subject to culture sensitivity. However, experienced physicians were more knowledgeable especially about neglect. Moreover, female participants were more likely to report despite being more skeptical of readiness of Saudi law system to deal with cases of maltreatment. In general, knowledge about reporting was clearly deficit at all levels. Fortunately, all participants requested and were enthusiastic to receive further training.

Conclusion: Saudi medical students, pediatrics trainees and pediatricians have good basic knowledge, positive attitude and willingness to learn more to provide a safe environment for children in Saudi Arabia. However, knowledge in regards to reporting child maltreatment is a major observed defect. Still, further education and training are needed to combat CAN in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: Child abuse and neglect; Experienced physicians; Medical students; Residency trainee.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Among identified risk factors of child abuse, parental drug and alcohol abuse was the most identified risk factor. Conversely, teen-parenting and child's chronic diseases were the lowest.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The highest recognized consequences of child maltreatment were social difficulties, poor self-steam and psychiatrics illnesses. On the contrary, abusive behavior and pathological diseases were the lowest identified CAN consequences.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Medical students and physicians were more likely to report sexual and physical abuses. In contrast, emotional abuse was the least likely to be reported.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Multivariate Logistic Regression explained relationship between respondents' characteristics, attitudes and training with intentions to report child Neglect.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Experienced physicians were able to recognize more risk factors and consequences of CAN in comparison to medical students, interns and residency trainees.

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