Knowledge and experience of pediatricians and pedodontists in identifying and managing child abuse and neglect cases

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Child Health
• Forensic Dentistry

Background:

• Child abuse and neglect pose significant threats to a child's growth and development.
• Healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and pedodontists, play a vital role in identifying and managing these cases.
• Effective identification and management require specific skills and knowledge within healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the capabilities of pediatricians and pedodontists in identifying and managing child abuse and neglect.
• To assess the self-perceived competence and willingness to intervene among these healthcare providers.
• To identify gaps in current practices and inform the development of targeted training programs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing a 28-item expert-designed electronic questionnaire.
• Survey administered to 53 pediatricians and 89 pedodontists.
• Data collected on demographic characteristics, professional experience, and self-perceived competence in child abuse and neglect cases.

Main Results:

• 42% of healthcare providers reported encountering at least one case of child abuse or neglect.
• Pedodontists reported higher uncertainty in identifying abuse and neglect compared to pediatricians.
• Higher self-perceived competence correlated with increased willingness to identify/manage cases, but not with actual skills or intervention effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant need for specialized training programs for healthcare providers on identifying and managing child abuse and neglect.
• Training should integrate academic knowledge, practical skills, and psychosocial support techniques.
• Enhancing healthcare professionals' capabilities is crucial for a comprehensive approach to combating child abuse and neglect.