Table 3 Comparison of knowledge and perception about child abuse and neglect (Junior vs. Senior Students) (n = 341)
|  | Junior students n = 96 | Senior n = 245 | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|
Child abuse and neglect exists in Saudi Arabia | 92 (95.8%) | 241 (98.4%) | 0.15 |
The concept of child abuse and neglect is subjected to the community’s culture and traditions | 58 (60.4%) | 170 (69.4%) | 0.11 |
Child abuse and neglect is an Important and sensitive issue in Saudi Arabia | 78 (81.3%) | 225 (91.8%) | 0.01 |
Child abuse is underreported in Saudi Arabia | 75 (78.1%) | 229 (93.5%) | < 0.00 |
Medical learning Institutions provide adequate education on child abuse and neglect | 31 (32.3%) | 90 (36.7%) | 0.44 |
Saudi national safety program that deals with suspected cases of child abuse and neglect exists | 70 (72.9%) | 220 (89.8%) | < 0.00 |
Child abuse and neglect is poorly recognized | 78 (81.3%) | 191 (78%) | 0.50 |
Child abuse and neglect causes depression in the child’s adult life | 93 (96.9%) | 242 (98.8%) | 0.23 |
Child abuse and neglect is a risk factor for becoming an alcoholic in the future | 86 (89.6%) | 225 (91.8%) | 0.51 |
Child abuse and neglect is a risk factor of developing serious medical diseases such as cancer in the future | 59 (61.5%) | 138 (56.3%) | 0.39 |
Child abuse and neglect triggers the occurrence of multiple psychological disorders such as schizophrenia | 88 (91.7%) | 227 (92.7%) | 0.76 |
Child abuse and neglect does not have long term consequences | 8 (8.3%) | 25 (10.2%) | 0.59 |
Child abuse and neglect lower a child’s self-esteem | 93 (96.9%) | 240 (98%) | 0.55 |
Child abuse and neglect may result in fatal injuries | 92 (95.8%) | 237 (96.7%) | 0.68 |
I think that parents are allowed to use harsh language while discipline a child | 26 (27.1%) | 46 (18.8%) | 0.09 |
I think that parents are allowed to hit their children gently while discipline them as long as it does not result in major physical harms | 49 (51%) | 102 (41.6%) | 0.12 |
I find it difficult to distinguish between child maltreatment and appropriate discipline | 30 (31.3%) | 92 (37.6%) | 0.28 |
I believe Islam approves of scolding kids physically as a method of parenting when a child does not adhere to religious practices such as prayer | 68 (70.8%) | 157 (64.1%) | 0.24 |
The community’s knowledge and perception of child abuse and neglect is adequate | 12 (12.5%) | 40 (16.3%) | 0.38 |
Health care professionals’ knowledge and perception of child abuse and neglect is adequate | 44 (45.8%) | 94 (38.4%) | 0.21 |
I would need advanced training/courses to help me evaluate suspected cases of child abuse and neglect | 80 (83.3%) | 214 (87.3%) | 0.33 |
I am willing to take training courses and attend conferences about evaluating and dealing with suspected cases of child abuse and neglect | 86 (89.6%) | 214 (87.3%) | 0.57 |