title: Child maltreatment between knowledge, attitude and beliefs among Saudi pediatricians, pediatric residency trainees and medical students.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Child maltreatment is not included in Saudi medical schools and pediatric residency curriculums, which might limit knowledge and spread misconceptions. Additionally, physicians might have different attitudes regarding reporting child abuse and neglect. In this study, we hypothesize that medical students and pediatric trainees have limited knowledge, oblivious attitude and misbeliefs regarding child maltreatment in comparison to experienced pediatricians. But, medical students and trainees might hold higher motives and willingness to learn about child maltreatment and their consequences.
  
  
  METHODS
  A self reported questionnaire was distributed after a pilot study to include pediatricians, pediatrics trainees and medical students in all main areas of pediatrics services: pediatrics wards, pediatrics outpatient clinics, critical care and pediatrics emergency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In disregard to their level of training, medical students and physicians believed that child maltreatment happens within the kingdom and is common. They were familiar with the child maltreatment definition, although only one third thought it is subject to culture sensitivity. However, experienced physicians were more knowledgeable especially about neglect. Moreover, female participants were more likely to report despite being more skeptical of readiness of Saudi law system to deal with cases of maltreatment. In general, knowledge about reporting was clearly deficit at all levels. Fortunately, all participants requested and were enthusiastic to receive further training.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Saudi medical students, pediatrics trainees and pediatricians have good basic knowledge, positive attitude and willingness to learn more to provide a safe environment for children in Saudi Arabia. However, knowledge in regards to reporting child maltreatment is a major observed defect. Still, further education and training are needed to combat CAN in Saudi Arabia.
authors.affiliation: General Pediatrics, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; British Columbia Children Hospital, British Columbia University, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: Yossef
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Alnasser
authors.affiliation: General Pediatrics, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Amani
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Albijadi
authors.affiliation: King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Waad
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Abdullah
authors.affiliation: King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Aldabeeb
authors.affiliation: King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Alanoud
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alomair
authors.affiliation: King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alsaddiqi
authors.affiliation: King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Yara
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Alsalloum
keywords: Child abuse and neglect; Experienced physicians; Medical students; Residency trainee