Child abuse in urban setting: a one-year analysis of hospital information on abused children at Yekatit 12 hospital, Addis Ababa.
BACKGROUND
In recent years, there has been growing concern over the rapidly mounting situation of child abuse in Ethiopia. This tragic situation is generally thought to be rare in Sub-Saharan Africa. The government of Ethiopian has ratified and endorsed the Convention of Right of Children in spite of which the situation is considerable. It is important to consider the subject as a momentous issue and review the situation in the capital.


OBJECTIVE
To know the extent, magnitude, seriousness and the existing trend of child abuse in the capital city of Ethiopia.


METHODS
This study is a prospective cross-sectional analysis undertaken in pediatrics department of Yekatit 12 hospital. Two hundred and fifty six allegedly abused children were seen from July 2001 to June 2002 of which 214 were enrolled in this study that fulfilled the criteria of inclusion


RESULTS
Among two hundred and fourteen children less than the age of 15 years 93% were female. Most common mode of abuse was sexual with vaginal penetration N=160 (75%). Forty one percent of abused children had laboratory investigations of which 9% were pathological results. The highest percent of victims reside in Woreda 11. The monthly distribution of abused children shows increasing trend. Only 18% had Psychological follow-up visit. Thirty percent of perpetrators were close neighbors followed by teachers. The age between 35 to 45 years were found to be the commonest age of perpetrators (29%). Among the offenders' occupation disclosed N= 17, 6 (35%) were priests.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has tried to prove that child abuse is increasing in magnitude and seriousness & the growing trend of threat is to cross the threshold of public health alarm. Female children are at higher risk and need special protection. The low number of follow-up visits and few laboratory results show that there is lack of awareness on the future prospective of the child and/or lack of financial resources. It is necessary to improve and curb this catastrophic situation through comprehensive measures.
Melesse
Fikir
F
Yekatit 12 Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Kassie
Assaye
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005002:Ethiopia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014505:Urban Population