Table 4 Comparison of knowledge and perception about reporting and reasons of not reporting suspected child abuse and neglect cases (Junior vs. Senior Students) (n = 341)
Knowledge and perception about reporting | Junior students n = 96 | Senior n = 245 | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|
I am familiar with child abuse and neglect reporting protocols in my region | 19 (19.8%) | 60 (24.5%) | 0.35 |
Reporting to authorities is difficult | 54 (56.3%) | 124 (50.6%) | 0.35 |
Reporting child abuse and neglect should be mandatory | 91 (94.8%) | 234 (95.5%) | 0.78 |
Reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect might cause more harm to the child | 58 (60.4%) | 113 (46.1%) | 0.02 |
Many cases are not being reported because of fear of the parents’ response | 90 (93.8%) | 228 (93.1%) | 0.82 |
I personally have witnessed health care professionals in doubt of reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect during my medical school training | 12 (12.5%) | 34 (13.9%) | 0.73 |
I prefer to deal with cases of child abuse and neglect without reporting them | 23 (24%) | 36 (14.7%) | 0.04 |
All suspected cases should be reported even if the suspected injuries are not fatal | 82 (85.4%) | 228 (93.1%) | 0.03 |
Suspected cases of child abuse and neglect should be handled by governmental personnel rather than hospital staff | 76 (79.2%) | 205 (83.7%) | 0.33 |
I have the confidence to handle suspected cases of child physical abuse | 47 (49%) | 111 (45.3%) | 0.54 |
I have the confidence to handle suspected cases of child sexual abuse | 44 (45.8%) | 107 (43.7%) | 0.72 |
I have the confidence to handle suspected cases of child psychological/emotional abuse | 48 (50%) | 109 (44.5%) | 0.36 |
I have the confidence to handle suspected cases of child neglect | 50 (52.1%) | 125 (51%) | 0.86 |
I only report and document cases of child abuse and neglect when I am certain | 67 (69.8%) | 152 (62%) | 0.18 |
Reasons of not reporting | Â | Â | Â |
Uncertainty about the diagnosis | 51 (53.1%) | 132 (53.9%) | 0.90 |
Lack of time | 12 (12.5%) | 36 (14.7%) | 0.60 |
Lack of knowledge about the reporting procedure | 59 (61.5%) | 166 (67.8%) | 0.27 |
Reporting may do more harm to the child | 57 (59.4%) | 99 (40.4%) | 0.00 |
Fearing of destroying family relationship | 63 (65.6%) | 150 (61.2%) | 0.45 |
Perceiving the situation as child being disciplined by their parents rather than maltreatment | 36 (37.5%) | 96 (39.2%) | 0.77 |