Identifying Risk Factors of Children Who Suffered Physical Abuse: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Child Abuse Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Child abuse and neglect affect approximately 25% of US children, with 18% experiencing physical abuse.
• Physicians play a crucial role in distinguishing accidental injuries from physical child abuse.
• Identifying risk factors is essential for early detection and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent literature on risk factors associated with physical child abuse.
• To provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of potential indicators of child abuse.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of three electronic databases was conducted, searching for articles published in the last 10 years.
• Keywords included "abuse," "risk factors," and "children."
• 63 articles were included after a sequential screening process by two independent reviewers, followed by data extraction and narrative synthesis.

Main Results:

• Sociodemographic risk factors identified include younger age, male sex, African American or Hispanic race, non-private insurance, lower income, and lower maternal education.
• Other significant risk factors include a history of child abuse, birth defects, and developmental, musculoskeletal, intellectual, or mood disorders.
• Clinical and radiographic signs suggestive of abuse encompass subdural hematoma, traumatic brain injury, retinal injury, bruising, superficial skin injury, lung injury, and fractures of the skull, femur, clavicle, humerus, and foot.

Conclusions:

• This systematic review highlights key risk factors for physical child abuse.
• Findings offer valuable insights for healthcare providers assessing children in clinical settings.
• Understanding these risk factors can aid in the identification and prevention of child abuse.