Prevalencia de maltrato infantil en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital San José 2010-2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundChild abuse has existed since ancient times, and only after the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959, was it considered a crime. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 25%-50% of children referred to physical abuse. In Colombia. The Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) reported 16,457 abused children in 2012-2013, with an increase of 52% for the period between January and April 2014.ObjectiveTo determine the frequency of child abuse patients admitted to the Pediatric Department of the Hospital San José from March 2010 to February 2013.MethodsA descriptive study of a cross section of patients admitted to the pediatric emergency department of the Hospital San José from March 2010 to February 2013, who were referred to the Social Work Area, with suspected child abuse or a situation that became social risk as a result of anamnesis and physical examination.ResultsThere were 110 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of child abuse, with a prevalence of 0.25%. The Social Work Area confirmed 50% of the risk situations. Statistically significant association was found between family dysfunction and prolonged separation from the mother, or mental illness of caregiver or parent, and a history of child abuse (P<.005).ConclusionThe frequency of child abuse in the San José Hospital in the period mentioned, was 0.25%. Family dysfunction was found to be the main risk factor associated with confirmed cases of abuse. There is under-reporting of cases, due to lack of suspicion or to considering some situations secondary to other diagnoses. This highlights the importance of implementing health policies aimed at the prevention of this condition and its early detection