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Babeluk R, Maier B, Bach T, Hajdu S, Jaindl M, Antoni A. The Hidden Pandemic: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trauma Cases Due to Domestic Violence Admitted to the Biggest Level-One Trauma Center in Austria. J Clin Med 2023; 13:246. [PMID: 38202253 PMCID: PMC10779589 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An alarming increase in domestic violence was reported during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. The aim of this study is to investigate changes in the frequency and the nature of domestic violence at the largest level-one trauma center in Austria. METHODS All patients admitted to our institution with domestic violence injuries 15 months before and after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic were included. For our analysis, we investigated the frequency of trauma patients after domestic violence in relation to all other trauma patients. Furthermore, age, sex, citizenship, injury pattern, injured body regions, injury mechanism, offender-victim relationship, and hospitalization rate were also analyzed. RESULTS Among all trauma patients admitted, the ratio of patients who reported domestic violence injuries increased from 0.465% to 0.548% since the start of the pandemic. In addition, out of the total count of domestic violence victims, the percentage of Austrian citizens increased significantly from 51.2% to 60.6% (p = 0.016). All other parameters showed no significant changes pre and post-pandemic. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a relative increase in patients with domestic violence injuries at the largest trauma unit in Austria, along with a significant increase among Austrian citizens. The remaining study parameters did not differ significantly, indicating that the frequency changed during the pandemic but not the underlying pattern of domestic violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Babeluk
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (B.M.); (T.B.)
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Femi-Ajao O, Doughty J, Evans MA, Johnson M, Howell A, Robinson PG, Armitage CJ, Feder G, Coulthard P. Dentistry responding in domestic violence and abuse (DRiDVA) feasibility study: a qualitative evaluation of the implementation experiences of dental professionals. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:475. [PMID: 37438748 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) is a persistent public health problem in the UK. Healthcare settings offer an opportunity to ask patients about DVA, either opportunistically or in response to the presence of injuries. However, it has been suggested that dental practices and dental teams have not been actively involved supporting adult patients when presenting with injuries that might have resulted from DVA. This qualitative study was conducted to satisfy the evaluative component of the Dentistry Responding in Domestic Violence and Abuse (DRiDVA) feasibility study. METHODS In total, 30 participants took part in the study; nine associate dentists and practice principals/owners took part in one-to-one interviews and 21 auxiliary staff took part across two focus group discussion sessions. Data were analysed using the seven step Framework Analysis process. RESULT Three key themes were identified from the data, focusing on barriers to enquiring about domestic violence and abuse, Facilitators of identification and referral of DVA in dental settings, and recommendations for further adaptation of intervention to dental settings. CONCLUSION DVA training coupled with robust referral pathways to a named specialist DVA advocate increases knowledge and awareness of the signs of DVA and confidence in making onward referrals. Further research is needed to understand how to increase dental professional willingness to ask patients about DVA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janine Doughty
- School of Dentistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gene Feder
- University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
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Alshouibi EN. General dentists' readiness and barriers in intimate partner violence screening: a cross-sectional study in Jeddah City. BMC Oral Health 2022; 22:584. [PMID: 36494822 PMCID: PMC9733277 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02627-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence (IPV) has varying prevalence rates and risk factors based on cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. However, it is common for IPV victims to be seen in dental settings on a regular basis. Identifying IPV victims in dental settings might help address this overlooked global dilemma. This study was conducted to evaluate general dentists' readiness and potential barriers to performing IPV screening in a dental setting. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Domestic Violence Healthcare Providers Survey (DVHPS). This validated and structured questionnaire was adopted, modified, and self-administered to evaluate general dentists' readiness and barriers to IPV screening. General dentists were recruited for the study population from 5 administrative territorial regions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consists of 7 domains that assess general dentists' readiness and barriers to performing IPV screening for all dental patients. RESULTS Out of the 273 dentists approached, a total of 200 participated in the study, with a total response rate of 73.3%. The percentages of female and male dentists were 54% and 46%, respectively. Almost 73% of the study population believed they could identify IPV in a dental setting. The multiple linear regression model indicated a substantial decrease in general dentists' readiness to perform IPV screening due to fear of offending patients, an increased number of patients treated per day, and professional role resistance. CONCLUSION The current study suggests the high readiness of general dentists to perform IPV screening for all patients. However, prominent barriers to implementing IPV screening for all patients include fear of offending patients, an increased number of patients treated per day, and professional role resistance. Postgraduate continuous education is encouraged to re-enforce the importance of IPV screening in dental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab N. Alshouibi
- grid.412125.10000 0001 0619 1117Department of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Bregulla JL, Hanisch M, Pfleiderer B. Dentists' Competence and Knowledge on Domestic Violence and How to Improve It-A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074361. [PMID: 35410043 PMCID: PMC8998579 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Domestic violence (DV) is an important public health topic with a high prevalence in society. Dentists are also frontline responders to DV, as they not only treat victims of DV with dental injuries, but they can also screen for the presence of DV because they see patients for regular check-ups. Using the WHO definition, which describes domestic violence as intimate partner violence, 17 papers could be included in our analyses. The results of this review clearly indicated that although dentists, as members of the health care sector, are important frontline responders to DV, they are neither trained adequately at medical school nor do most feel competent enough to ask victims about DV or support them as needed. DV is often not taught at dentistry schools at all. The aims of this review were to provide an overview of existing literature on dentists' knowledge and beliefs regarding DV, whether and how DV is taught in medical education and to give recommendations on how to improve the education of dentists on this topic. Based on our findings, we recommend that DV education should be mandatory at dentistry schools and in further training for dentists with a focus on communication with victims, how DV can be identified and how to support victims well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Lauren Bregulla
- Department for Prosthodontics and Biomaterials, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, University Hospital Muenster, Building W 30, 48149 Muenster, Germany;
- Clinic for Radiology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, University Hospital Muenster, Building A 16, Medical Faculty University of Muenster, 48129 Muenster, Germany
| | - Marcel Hanisch
- Research Unit Rare Diseases with Orofacial Manifestations, Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, University Hospital Muenster, Building W 30, 48149 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Bettina Pfleiderer
- Clinic for Radiology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, University Hospital Muenster, Building A 16, Medical Faculty University of Muenster, 48129 Muenster, Germany
- Correspondence:
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El Tantawi M, Nabil N, Mahmoud SH, Elhendawy F. Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model association with Egyptian dentists' reporting of suspected abuse. BMC Oral Health 2022; 22:55. [PMID: 35246088 PMCID: PMC8895832 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives This study assessed the frequency of reporting suspected abuse by Egyptian dentists who have examined patients with manifestations of abuse and factors associated with this reporting within the framework of the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model. Methods A cross-sectional study included dentists practicing in Egypt in 2019. A questionnaire collected information about personal and professional background, and whether: participants received training to manage abuse, reported suspected abuse, were aware of the presence of hotlines for reporting and agencies supporting abuse victims, and eight items assessing attitude towards reporting suspected abuse. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to assess the structure of attitude items. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between the dependent variable (reporting suspected abuse) and independent factors: receiving training (capability), attitude components (motivation), and awareness of the presence of hotlines and support agencies (opportunity). Results The response rate was 68.2% (821/ 1203), mean age (SD) = 29.7 (10.0) years, 43.1% had examined patients with suspected abuse last year and 4.3% reported their suspicions. PCA identified two attitude components scored out of 10: professional attitude towards reporting (mean (SD) = 6.7 (2.2)) and negative perception of workplace commitment to reporting (mean (SD) = 7.2 (2.1)). Higher odds of reporting suspected abuse were associated with better professional attitude towards reporting (AOR = 1.87, P = 0.003) and less negative perception of workplace commitment to reporting (AOR = 0.77, P = 0.04), but not with previous training (P = 0.74), awareness of the presence of victims’ support agencies (P = 0.68) or a hotline (P = 0.88). Conclusions Only a minority of dentists reported suspected abuse. Dentists who reported their suspicions had better professional attitude towards reporting and better perception of their workplace commitment to reporting. Thus, the motivation component of the COM-B framework was significantly associated with reporting suspected abuse. The present training methods to manage abuse, and dentists’ unawareness of national efforts to manage the problem do not seem to encourage reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha El Tantawi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Champolion St., Azarita, 21521, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Nouran Nabil
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Champolion St., Azarita, 21521, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sawsan H Mahmoud
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Champolion St., Azarita, 21521, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Fatma Elhendawy
- Department of Pediatric, Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Mandatory Reporting “will Paralyze People” or “Without it, People Would not Report”: Understanding Perspectives from Within the Child Protection System. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-022-09676-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Duman C, Al-Batayneh OB, Ahmad S, Durward CS, Kobylińska A, Vieira AR, Tredoux S, Okutan AE, Egil E, Kalaoglu EE, Sirinoglu Capan B, Aksit Bicak D, Zafar S. Self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and practice of final-year dental students in relation to child abuse: A multi-centre study. Int J Paediatr Dent 2021; 31:801-809. [PMID: 33730406 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of child abuse cases is increasing worldwide; therefore, it is important to educate individuals having contact with children about it. This includes dentists who play a pivotal role in detecting and reporting child abuse. AIM To identify and compare the final- year dental student's knowledge, attitudes, and practice in relation to child abuse. DESIGN A 38- item and four- part online questionnaire was distributed to students of 11 dental schools in 10 countries. SPSS and GraphPad Prism were used for data analysis. The levels of statistical significance were determined using a chi- square test. P ≤ .05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 660 students completed the survey. Fifty- six percent of the students received formal training on child abuse, and 86% wanted additional training. The knowledge of child abuse was significantly higher in Australia, the United States, and Jordan compared with other countries. Internet (60.3%) was commonly used as an information source for child abuse. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that dental students lack knowledge and experience in recognizing and reporting child abuse. Most respondents indicated a desire for additional training; therefore, dental schools should review what they are currently teaching and make changes as appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canan Duman
- School of Dentistry, Istanbul Atlas University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Callum S Durward
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Puthisastra, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Angelika Kobylińska
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alexandre R Vieira
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sheree Tredoux
- Department of Odontology, School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Alev Eda Okutan
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Edibe Egil
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Ece Kalaoglu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Damla Aksit Bicak
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Near East University, Nicosia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
| | - Sobia Zafar
- Discipline Lead Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Saleem MN, Raja HZ, Shakoor A, Rashid H, Nasir H, Yusuf E. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Dental Practitioners Regarding Domestic Violence in Pakistan. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2021; 58:469580211060799. [PMID: 34915749 PMCID: PMC8725044 DOI: 10.1177/00469580211060799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Domestic violence is a complex social issue worldwide that includes a wide range of physical, sexual, psychological, economic, or emotional trauma to a child or adult. A large proportion of domestic violence cases remain unreported or undocumented. Dentists can play an important role in identifying and reporting these cases, but no such local study is available assessing the dental practitioners' attitudes and knowledge of evaluating physical abuse in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of dental practitioners of Pakistan about domestic violence. This cross-sectional study was carried out over 2 months, among 330 dentists across Pakistan, selected by convenience sampling technique. Data was collected via a pre-validated online questionnaire, filled anonymously after taking informed consent. The survey questionnaire collected data about dentists' demographics, awareness, and experiences about domestic violence cases via close-ended questions. Only 10.6% of participating dentists received formal training in the management of domestic violence cases. Approximately 55% of participants knew that physical abuse should be reported in all circumstances; however, half of them could not accurately identify the legal authorities where suspected cases should be reported. Only 20% of the participating dentists had ever suspected a case of physical abuse and 30% of those actually reported it to legal authorities. Participants characterized fear of anger from relatives as the most significant barrier toward reporting suspected cases. The analysis revealed that Pakistan's dentists lack adequate knowledge regarding domestic violence in terms of identification, relevant physical signs/symptoms, and social indicators. Dentists of Pakistan had insufficient knowledge about the identification, management, and reporting of domestic violence cases. However, formal training and dentists' qualification were positively associated with overall awareness and practices regarding domestic violence case management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nasir Saleem
- Professor of Operative Dentistry, 462516Institute of Dentistry CMH Lahore Medical College, NUMS, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hina Zafar Raja
- Professor Prosthodontics, 462516Institute of Dentistry CMH Lahore Medical College, NUMS, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asma Shakoor
- Associate Professor, 462516Institute of Dentistry CMH Lahore Medical College, NUMS, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Haroon Rashid
- Vice President and Dy Chief Executive, 462516CMH Lahore Medical College, NUMS, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Haiqa Nasir
- 462516Institute of Dentistry CMH Lahore Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Elyon Yusuf
- Deceased, Former student 462516Institute of Dentistry CMH Lahore Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
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Abolfotouh MA, Alfehaid HA, Almadi DS, Aldali HW, Alshareef AA, Adlan AA. Dentists' Willingness to Report Suspected Violence Cases in Saudi Arabia. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent 2020; 10:220-225. [PMID: 32670912 PMCID: PMC7340000 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_416_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Violence is a life-threatening issue that mainly affects head and neck areas. Dentist might be the first person to notice this type of injury. This study aimed to investigate dentists’ willingness to report suspected violence exposure of their patients and factors associated with their willingness. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 363 dentists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a previously validated self-administered questionnaire was distributed, in both printed and electronic forms (Google Forms), to collect data on personal characteristics, professional background, and negative perception and professional attitude toward reporting suspected violence. Descriptive and analytic statistics were applied. Significance was considered at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The majority of dentists reported positive perception (88.4%) and positive attitude (68.0%) toward reporting suspected violence, with percentage mean scores of 35.2 ± 19.6 and 83.5 ± 15.0, respectively. Higher professional attitude score was significantly associated with the ability of dentists to recognize signs of violence (t = 3.19, P = 0.002). Negative perception mean scores were significantly higher with non-Saudi nationality (t = 2.03, P = 0.043), private sector (F = 3.33, P = 0.037), no training on abuse management (t = 3.02, P = 0.003), and perceived ability to identify victims of violence (t = 2.61, P = 0.01). After adjusting for potential confounders, negative perception was predicted by non-Saudi nationality (P = 0.028) and no history of previous training in abuse management (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Almost all dentists have high professional attitude scores and low negative perception scores toward reporting violence, which reflect a good sense of responsibility toward their patients and community. Educational training in abuse management must be a requirement for dental practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa A Abolfotouh
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hind A Alfehaid
- Dental Intern, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalal S Almadi
- Dental Student, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Asma A Alshareef
- Dental Intern, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A Adlan
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Melo M, Ata-Ali F, Cobo T, Diago J, Chofré-Lorente MT, Bagán L, Sanchez-Recio C, Ata-Ali J. Role of a Dentist in the Diagnosis of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Literature and Narrative Review. Open Dent J 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1874210601913010301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Child Abuse (CA) is defined as any physical or psychological harm inflicted upon children. The most commonly affected anatomical region in these cases is the orofacial complex, thereby placing dentists in a dominant position for detecting CA. The statistical figures referred to CA are high, and many cases go unreported.
Objective:
To determine the level of knowledge, the aptitudes and capacity of dentists in reporting cases of CA; the barriers facing the reporting of cases; and the key clinical characteristics for the detection of CA.
Methodology:
A search was made of the PubMed (MEDLINE), ScienceDirect, LILACS and SciELO databases for articles published up until March 2019, involving analytical observational and descriptive studies relevant to the objectives of our study. All articles were independently reviewed by two authors.
Results:
Injuries caused by CA are largely located in the orofacial region – the most prevalent being caries, burns and fractures. The most frequently identified risk factor is behavioral alterations on the part of the parents or caregivers. The reviewed studies reflect a discrepancy between suspected and reported cases of CA.
Conclusion:
Although dentists are able to detect injuries, there is a great lack of knowledge about how to report cases of CA to the authorities. It is interesting to establish guidelines for the detection and reporting of suspicious cases. Improved training in forensic and legal dentistry is needed, together with the establishment of detection and reporting protocols. The clinical signs detected in the case of CA and neglect include untreated caries, poor oral hygiene, traumatisms, burns, lacerations and biting. The recognition of such signs and correct case history compilation are essential for the detection of CA.
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Brattabø IV, Bjørknes R, Åstrøm AN. Reasons for reported suspicion of child maltreatment and responses from the child welfare - a cross-sectional study of Norwegian public dental health personnel. BMC Oral Health 2018; 18:29. [PMID: 29499677 PMCID: PMC5833052 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-018-0490-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To prevent child maltreatment, the identification of vulnerable children is essential. In Norway, public dental health personnel (PDHP) report suspicion of child maltreatment to child welfare services (CWS) at a relatively high rate. However, their reasons for reporting and the response from CWS have not been investigated. The objectives of this study were to (1) explore the reasons that PDHP send reports of concern, (2) examine how CWS responds to PDHP reports, and (3) assess whether different reasons for concern are associated with a given response from CWS. METHODS A national cross-sectional study was conducted by an electronic survey distributed to public dental hygienists and dentists in Norway. Descriptive statistics were calculated in terms of mean (SD) distributions and frequency, expressed as % (n). To account for clustering of responses among respondents, binomial generalized estimating equation analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) of CWS responses across number of reports with different reasons for concern. RESULTS Of a total of 1542 questionnaire recipients, 1200 (77.8%) responded to the survey. From 2012 to 2014, 42.5% of the respondents sent 1214 reports to CWS, with a mean number of 2.7 (SD = 2.0) reports per respondent. The PDHP sent the reports due to suspicion of neglect or physical, sexual and/or psychological abuse. Non-attendance at dental appointments and grave caries were reported most frequently. Among the reports, 24.5% resulted in measures being taken by CWS, 20.7% were dropped, and 29.4% lacked information from CWS on the outcome. Reports due to suspicion of sexual abuse, (OR 1.979, 95% CI (1.047-3.742), P = 0.036), grave caries (OR 1.628, 95% CI (1.148-2.309), P = 0.006), and suspicion of neglect (OR 1.649, 95% CI (1.190-2.285), P = 0.003) had the highest association with the implementation of measures. CONCLUSIONS PDHP report on several forms of child maltreatment and contributes in detection of victimized children. However, the relatively low number of measures being taken by CWS and the number of reports that lack a response to reporters reveal a need for a closer cooperation between the services, as this would benefit both the children at risk and the services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingfrid Vaksdal Brattabø
- Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Western Norway/Hordaland, Pb. 2354, Møllendal, 5867 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Pb. 7807, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Bjørknes
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Pb. 7807, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Nordrehaug Åstrøm
- Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Western Norway/Hordaland, Pb. 2354, Møllendal, 5867 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Pb. 7804, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Uldum B, Christensen HN, Welbury R, Haubek D. How Danish dentists and dental hygienists handle their role in child abuse and neglect matters. Acta Odontol Scand 2017; 75:332-337. [PMID: 28355932 DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2017.1307448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify how the dental team perceives its role in safeguarding children, to identify barriers to referral to social services, to compare data with data previously reported from Denmark, and to assess if increased focus on safeguarding children has had an effect on how the dental team handles its responsibility to refer to social services. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study is based on a Danish version of a questionnaire previously used in Scotland and Denmark. The questionnaire was sent to a random sample of the Danish dental team. RESULTS The number of returned questionnaires was 964 (67.0%) with valid data. Of these, 40.8% had had a suspicion of child abuse or neglect and 50.0% had referred their concern to social services. Frequently reported barriers to referral were uncertainty about observations, signs, and symptoms of abuse and neglect, and uncertainty about referral procedures. A total of 84 (8.9%) of the respondents had received both undergraduate and postgraduate training on the topic, and 64.4% of the respondents found that the dental staff could recognize signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. CONCLUSION Findings suggest a continuous need for a focus on the awareness and training of the Danish dental staff on the important topic of child abuse and neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitte Uldum
- Municipal Dental Service for Children and Adolescents, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne N. Christensen
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Protection Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Richard Welbury
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Central Lancashire Dental School, Preston, UK
| | - Dorte Haubek
- Section for Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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