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.
Abstract:
Battered child syndrome (BCS) is a form of physical abuse that is characterised by multiple injuries and potentially fatal outcome. Despite the high prevalence of physical abuse in developing countries, BCS is rarely reported. Hence, this report highlighted a four-year-old Nigerian boy who suffered multiple injuries (scalp haematoma, bruises, right clavicular fracture, and burns) from the paternal uncle's wife. This case report is discussed along the line of public health approach for curbing the social menace.
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