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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Identifying indicators during pregnancy for child maltreatment.
Erika L Thompson1, Lindsay A Thompson, Erik W Black
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B Downs, MDC56, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA, ethomps1@health.usf.edu.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|December 13, 2012
Summary
A short interpregnancy interval (IPI) under 18 months increases child maltreatment risk by 18%. Maternal perception of harm and delayed pregnancy desire also correlate with higher maltreatment reports, highlighting key risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- Child maltreatment is a significant public health concern.
- Interpregnancy interval (IPI) is a potentially modifiable risk factor for adverse child outcomes.
- Routine prenatal assessments can identify mothers at higher risk for child maltreatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between short interpregnancy interval (IPI) and child maltreatment reports.
- To examine other routinely collected pregnancy indicators as predictors of child maltreatment.
- To hypothesize that an IPI of less than 18 months increases the risk of child maltreatment.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of linked population-based data (2005-2007, Florida).
- Data sources included Birth Certificates, Healthy Start Prenatal Risk Screens, and HomeSafeNet Database.
- Logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographic and known risk factors.
Main Results:
- Seventeen percent of children experienced a report of child maltreatment within the first 5 years of life.
- An IPI <18 months was associated with 18% higher odds of maltreatment (AOR=1.18, 95% CI 1.13-1.23).
- Maternal perception of harm (AOR=2.43) and desire for later pregnancy (AOR=1.18) were significantly linked to increased maltreatment risk.
Conclusions:
- Short interpregnancy intervals (<18 months) are a significant risk factor for child maltreatment.
- Maternal perceptions of pregnancy timing and harm are crucial indicators for identifying at-risk families.
- Clinicians should assess IPI and maternal perceptions to proactively address potential child maltreatment.
