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Child battering in Nairobi, Kenya
East African Medical Journal
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Child abuse cases at Kenyatta National Hospital were analyzed. Abused children were typically 3-4 years old, and their parents often faced social isolation and lived in crowded conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Child abuse is a significant public health issue.
- Understanding the socio-economic factors contributing to child abuse is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify characteristics of battered children and their abusing parents.
- To explore socio-economic and cultural factors associated with child abuse in Nairobi.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital.
- Twenty-eight cases of battered children were compared with 26 matched controls.
Main Results:
- Battered children were predominantly 3-4 years old, with a slight male predominance.
- Abusing parents often lived in crowded environments, were younger, less educated, and socially isolated.
- Parents were also more likely to be recent migrants to Nairobi and less likely to practice contraception.
Conclusions:
- Child abuse in Nairobi is linked to specific socio-economic vulnerabilities and parental characteristics.
- Addressing social isolation, housing conditions, and education may help prevent child abuse.