Research Information System
GUNCEL PEDIATRI, vol.22, no.2, pp.93-101, 2024 (ESCI)
Introduction: Child abuse and neglect is a widespread and pressing issue, with
serious and long-term adverse effects on children’s physical and psychological
health. Pediatricians play a crucial role in detecting and addressing cases; however,
studies have shown challenges in reporting cases encountered in clinical practice.
This study aims to examine pediatricians’ attitudes towards reporting cases of child
abuse and neglect encountered in their clinical practices, as well as the factors
influencing these attitudes.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted
among pediatricians in Istanbul. Data collected included sociodemographic
characteristics, knowledge and formal training about child neglect and abuse,
attitudes about dealing with it, experience, and reporting behavior. The data was
collected through a self-administered online questionnaire. The study provides
insights into the current awareness and response of Istanbul’s pediatricians towards
child neglect and abuse. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22, employing
descriptive and comparative statistics such as frequency, mean, standard deviation,
and correlation tests. Ethical approval was obtained from the Istanbul Medipol
University Ethics Committee. The study was conducted in accordance with the
Declaration of Helsinki and online consent was obtained from the participants.
Results: The study involved 126 pediatricians. Results showed that pediatricians
had generally positive attitudes toward reporting child neglect and abuse. Gender
and marital status did not significantly influence attitudes, but pediatricians who
were parents scored higher on reporting Responsibility. Additionally, it was shown
that those with more professional experience had a higher reporting responsibility
score. Structured training on child abuse and neglect has been shown to increase
pediatricians’ reporting responsibility scores and exhibit less anxious attitudes.
Conclusion: This study highlights pediatricians’ positive attitudes toward
reporting child abuse and neglect and identifies influencing factors such as
training, professional experience, and collaboration. It emphasizes the importance
of addressing challenges like awareness of reporting procedures and concerns
about negative consequences. Comprehensive training, clear reporting protocols,
and multidisciplinary collaboration are essential for increasing reporting rates
and improving the detection of child abuse and neglect. The study contributes
to enhancing child protection systems in Turkey by providing insights into
pediatricians’ attitudes toward reporting child abuse and neglect