Childhood Experiences of Physical, Emotional and Sexual Abuse among Medical Students in Cairo University

Background: Child maltreatment includes five major subtypes: physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; neglect; and exposure to intimate partner violence. The more the individual is exposed to abuse and neglect and the greater the tendency toward this among those around them, the greater the probability of the victim subsequently abusing others. It should also be considered that kids who experienced abuse and neglect during childhood are at higher risk for some dramatic consequences such as attention deficiency, hyperactivity, substance misuse, high-risk sexual activity, and personal identity problems. These significantly affect the child not only during childhood but also in the life period that follows

Aim of the study: Was to obtain the prevalence of childhood abuse experiences among medical Students and if this occurs now. Also it can give an indication about scientific achievement as the medical students are mostly the most intelligent in the country.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was performed on 248 students who were randomly selected from the 4th year medical students at faculty of medicine Cairo University. They were asked to answer a preformed questionnaire after giving informed consent. They were asked about demographic data, exposure to different types of child abuse and if still exposed or not.

Results: From 248 participants, 99 were males and 149 were females. About 48% of total sample memorized exposure to childhood abuse. 39% memorize exposure to both emotional and physical abuse, 5% of them experience additional sexual abuse. Emotional exposure alone was 2% and physical alone was 7%. About 27% of the abused are still physically or emotionally abused till now. Memorization of different types of abuse is nearly equal for both males and females with males slightly higher.

Conclusion: Different types of child abuse are present in Egypt, and it can be memorized till adolescence age, further studies about its effects on educational level should be conducted.