Citation

Zunzunegui MV, Morales JM, Martinez V. An. Esp. Pediatr. 1997; 47(1): 33-41.

Vernacular Title

Maltrato infantil: Factores socioeconomicos y estado de salud.

Affiliation

Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Universidad de Argentina, Buenos Aires.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Ediciones Doyma)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9382326

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between characteristics of the family's ecological environment and child abuse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five cases of child abuse and 90 matched controls (1 case per every 2 controls by age, sex and neighborhood were compared. Data collection was carried out by personal interview at the home of the child care-giver. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in the age and cultural level of the women interviewed, number of children and one-parent families, self-perceived health, depressive symptomatology and anxiety, economic strain and perceived social support. In multivariant analysis, single-headed households, education, number of children, economic strain and social support remained independent predictors of child abuse. Among single-headed households, social support had a strong protective effect. Among households headed by both parents, economic strain was positively associated with abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Child abuse has deep sociocultural and economic roots. Intervention strategies should be directed to the social integration of the families at risk.

Language: es