[Risk factors for child abuse during the perinatal period. Preventive approach in the obstetric milieu. Role of a child abuse risk index].
OBJECTIVE
We studied the frequency of maltreatment of the newborn child and offered a preventive action plan.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study, on a semi-rural population, during three years period during which 2,198 deliveries took place. A number of severely maltreated new-born children were observed. Then we conducted for a two years period a prospective study of 1,007 pregnancies. A score of maltreatment risk was designed, which permitted to offer appropriate follow up to high risk couples.


RESULTS
In the retrospective study 39 cases of maltreatment of newborn infants (1.8%) were observed. The average score was 9.7. In the control group realised during the prospective study, the average score was 0.7. No cases of maltreatment was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
This study validates our approach which involves several institutions to take care of high risk couples during pregnancy with the aim to prevent maltreatment of the newborn.
Diquelou
J Y
JY
Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalier de Draguignan.
D000328:Adult; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002669:Child Welfare; D003663:Decision Trees; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D018881:Suburban Health