|
Affiliation
|
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Pediatrics, Providence, Rhode Island; Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island. |
|
Abstract
|
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients referred for domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) in order to improve identification and intervention.
DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: The Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr. Child Protection Center at Hasbro Children's Hospital where patients are evaluated by child abuse pediatricians in outpatient, emergency department and inpatient settings. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 41 patients under the age of 18 referred for the evaluation of DMST involvement between August 1(st), 2013 and March 30(th), 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We collected demographic, social-environmental, medical, and psychiatric variables from the medical records of patients referred for evaluation who have self-disclosed, been reported with evidence, and/or have histories that place them at high risk for DMST involvement.
RESULTS: Children had frequent contact with medical providers, with 81% seen in the year prior to referral for DMST. Childhood maltreatment and family dysfunction were identified (sexual abuse 57%, parental substance abuse 60%) in the 41 patients. Children had medical problems (e.g. sexually transmitted infection 27%), psychiatric needs (e.g. acute suicidality 20%, at least one prior psychiatric admission 46%) and substance use (88%). While 63% had run-away and 42% lived in a group home placement, 68% currently lived at home and 71% presented with a parent/guardian or relative.
CONCLUSION: Children referred for DMST present frequently to physicians and have complex medical and psychiatric needs. Medical providers' increased awareness of this health issue would inform victim identification and intervention.
Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Language: en |