Children’s exposure to physical abuse from a child perspective: A population-based study in rural Bangladesh

Abstract

Background Although child physical abuse (CPA) is considered as a major global public health problem, it has not yet been recognized as such in Bangladesh. Very few studies have assessed the prevalence and victims’ characteristics of multiple forms of CPA. Objective This population-based study assessed the prevalence of CPA committed by adults in a rural area of Bangladesh and examined its association with demographic and socio-contextual factors. Methods Data were obtained using ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool for Children (ICAST-C) in a random sample of 1416 children (49% girls, 51% boys) aged 11 to 17 years by face-to-face interviews during March-April 2017. The response rate was 91.5%. To estimate predictors of CPA, physical abuse was categorized into frequent and less frequent groups. Results The prevalence of at least one form (≥ 1), two forms (≥2) and three or more forms (≥ 3) of CPA were estimated approximately to 99%, 95% and 83% in their lifetime and 93%, 79%, and 57% in the past year respectively. Hitting (except on buttocks), standing/kneeling and slapping were the most common physical abuse whereas given drugs or alcohol, pinched, burned or scalded, beaten-up and locked up were less reported. Female children were faced severe forms of CPA more than that of males. Male children, younger age groups, witnessing adults using weapons at home, bullied by siblings and low level of maternal education were found to be significant risk factors for both ≥ 1 form and ≥ 2 forms of frequent CPA whereas adding also adult shouting in a frightening way was found as a significant risk factor for ≥ 2 forms of frequent CPA. Conclusion Self-reported prevalence of CPA is extremely common in the Bangladeshi rural society. The prevalence was associated with demographic and socio-contextual characteristics of the children such as being younger, witnessing domestic violence and maternal low education. The findings provide evidence to support parents and policy-makers to take effective measures to implement policy and programme on alternative up-bringing methods and creating awareness of negative effects of CM which in turn help Bangladesh to line up with UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the country signed in 1990.

Maltreatment in Autism Spectrum Disorder Children From Parent’s Perspective in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, in some previous studies, higher rates of child PA (95%), PsyA (97%) and neglect (70%) were reported among normally developed children in Bangladesh [6,7]. So, the prevalence of different types of maltreatment reported in the present study is not exceptionally high than previous studies' findings in children without disabilities.…”

“…Studies from Bangladesh revealed almost all rural children aged 11-17 years, irrespective of their physical and mental conditions, faced at least one form of physical abuse (PA) or psychological abuse (PsyA) in the past year 6,7 . Although studies revealed that CM is highly prevalent in Bangladesh, there is no study regarding the prevalence of CM among children with ASD 6,8 . So, we aimed to determine the prevalence of CM in a selected group of Bangladeshi children with ASD.…”

Children’s exposure to psychological abuse and neglect: A population‐based study in rural Bangladesh

“…Detailed methodology and the issues of ethical consideration have been outlined in a previous study 8 …”

Development, validation, and pilot implementation of the minimum datasheet for a domestic violence registry system: The case of a developing country

“…Most physical and sexual violence against children and the elderly are hidden, especially in rural areas. A small amount of evidence shows that because of fear of the perpetrator, fear of not being believed, and not being noticed or asked, children usually do not disclose violent behavior incidences and do not seek violence-response services [46,47]. Additionally, some studies have highlighted the higher vulnerability of male victims of sexual abuse for reporting the incidence [48,49].…”