Prevalence and factors associated child neglect in a Brazilian state

Abstract

Objective To quantify the prevalence of neglect against the child and identify its associated factors, based on the cases reported in the state of Espírito Santo between 2011 and 2018. Methods Cross-sectional study with data reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) with all reported cases of child neglect from 2011 to 2018 in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The characteristics of the victim, author, and aggression were studied, and the associations were analyzed by Poisson regression. Results The frequency of neglect was 31.3%, being more prevalent in males (PR: 1.48; 95%CI: 1.34-1.63); for the age group of zero to two years (PR: 3.05; 95%CI: 2.65-3.51); among female aggressors (PR: 16.20; 95%CI: 9.98-26.32), and regarding the bond to the victim, we note the highest prevalence of parents/stepfathers (PR: 6.69; 95%CI: 4.16-10.74), both parents (PR: 4.41; 95%CI: 2.84-6.85) and mothers/stepmothers (PR: 2.94; 95%CI: 2.20-3.93). Conclusions and Implications for the practice The magnitude of child neglect in Espírito Santo was significant, showing the need to advance in the understanding of this phenomenon and in the implementation of expanded intersectoral public policies aimed at ensuring adequate conditions for growth and development in childhood.