Sexual abuse knowledge base among residents in family practice, obstetrics/gynecology, and pediatrics.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate resident physician knowledge about sexual abuse prevalence and understanding about potential perpetrators.


METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed to program directors in family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatric residency programs.


METHODS
The questionnaires were distributed to senior residents in their final months prior to graduation.


METHODS
Residents were asked to fill out the questionnaire anonymously and return it to our institution in the prepaid envelope provided.


METHODS
Demographic characteristics and knowledge of sexual abuse prevalence and perpetrator characteristics were assessed. Chi-square contingency table analysis was used to compare responses of the three specialties.


RESULTS
The overwhelming majority (98.8%) of residents correctly identified a family member as the individual most likely to sexually abuse a child. Approximately half of the residents knew the correct prevalence of sexual abuse among females and among males. There was a weak understanding of the potential youthfulness of juvenile offenders.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that resident understanding of sexual abuse prevalence and about the youthfulness of juvenile offenders can be improved in all three specialties.
Olsen
M E
ME
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Section of Medical Education, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614-0569, USA.
Kalbfleisch
J H
JH
D000328:Adult; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education; D015995:Prevalence; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology