A four-year-old Nigerian boy with battered child syndrome: implications for public health

Olayinka Rasheed Ibrahim1, Fatima Faskari Nasir1, Abubakar Sani Lugga1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria.

Insights

Battered child syndrome (BCS), a severe form of physical abuse, is underreported in developing nations. This case highlights a Nigerian child

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Child Abuse Research

Background:

  • Battered child syndrome (BCS) involves severe physical abuse with potentially fatal outcomes.
  • BCS is notably underreported in developing countries despite high physical abuse prevalence.

Observation:

  • A case report details a four-year-old Nigerian boy presenting with multiple injuries.
  • Injuries included scalp hematoma, bruises, a clavicular fracture, and burns.

Findings:

  • The injuries were inflicted by the child's paternal uncle's wife.
  • This case underscores the reality of BCS in a resource-limited setting.

Implications:

  • Highlights the need for increased awareness and reporting of child abuse in Nigeria.
  • Suggests a public health approach is crucial for addressing and preventing battered child syndrome.

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