Child Abuse in Relation to Social Status and Believes of the Parents

Background: Child abuse and neglect occur in epidemic numbers and around the world, resulting in major physical and mental health consequences for abused children in the present and future. Studying prevalence, causes, prevention and parental believes is very important for management of this big problem. The aim of this study is to highlight on the incidence and prevalence of child abuse in Egypt, the role of parental social and educational status in addition to their believes on this problem.

Methodology: the study was conducted on 507 randomly selected male and female parents seeking medical treatment in the pediatric hospital of faculty of medicine, Cairo University. They were asked after giving informed consent about their social data, believes about child abuse, incidence, frequency and how they abuse their children.

Results: 58.8% of the sample was male parents and 41.2% were females. 25.5% of them were illiterate while 21% were high school educated. 40% were smokers and 37% were non-workers. 34% were physically abusing their children with 56% of them are frequently abusers, while 36% of sample emotionally abused their children. 18% of physical abuses resulted in an injury. 53% of parents believe that physical and emotional punishment is important for child education, and 42% of parents thinks that physical punishment correct child attitude.

Conclusion: child abuse is prevalent in Egypt with parents believe that abuse may be useful.

Key words: Child, Abuse, Egypt, Parents