Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding child abuse and neglect among dentists in Turkey
Date
01.01.2023Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Abstract: Limited research attention has been paid to Turkish dentists’
perceptions of child abuse and neglect (CA/N). This study aimed to
examine Turkish dentists’ knowledge about, attitudes toward, and
perceptions of CA/N. A total of 229 Turkish dentists responded to
the self-administered, valid and reliable questionnaire. It consisted
of 34 questions that could be classified into the following conceptual
categories: a) sociodemographic data, b) knowledge about legal
procedures and the orofacial characteristics and findings that are
indicative of CA/N, and c) self-efficacy and attitudes toward CA/N.
Multivariate analysis of variance was conducted and partial eta squared
coefficients were used statistically. Knowledge about legal obligations
was associated with occupational experience, highest CA/N education,
frequency of child dental treatment. Prior experience with case of
suspected CA/N demonstrated the greatest effects. Knowledge about
the orofacial characteristics and findings that are indicative of CA/N
was associated with prior experience with at least one case of suspected
CA/N. The most frequently provided reasons for failure to report cases
of suspected CA/N were fear that the child would be harmed. Turkish
dentists demonstrated moderate levels of knowledge about their legal
obligations and the orofacial characteristics and findings that are
indicative of CA/N. Dentists should receive detailed education on
CA/N in their undergraduate and postgraduate education. In addition,
it is necessary to increase awareness and knowledge about CA/N by
providing in-service trainings at the institutions where they work.
Keywords: Child Abuse; Dentists; Domestic Violence; Wounds and Injuries.