Perception and knowledge of child abuse among dental students in Paraná, Brazil

• Autor(a) principal: Leonardi, Larissa Alves
• Data de Publicação: 2021
• Outros Autores: Novaes, Ana Karoline da Cruz, Fonseca-Souza, Gabriela, Feltrin-Souza, Juliana
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por; eng
• Título da fonte: Revista da ABENO (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://revabeno.emnuvens.com.br/revabeno/article/view/1254
• topic: Child Abuse; Education, Dental; Diagnosis.; Maus-Tratos Infantis; Educação em Odontologia; Diagnóstico.

Child abuse (CA) has a negative impact on a child’s development, and health care professionals have a legal obligation to report suspected cases. Therefore, knowledge regarding the diagnosis of CA and the appropriate professional’s actions to address CA is necessary. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of dental students in Paraná, Brazil, regarding CA. A semi-structured questionnaire addressing participants’ demographic characteristics, perceptions, and knowledge about CA was administered using Google Forms. Knowledge score was calculated as the sum of correct responses, ranging from 0 to 14 points. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Knowledge score was analyzed in terms of participant characteristics using the Mann Whitney U test or Spearman correlation test; the level of significance was 5%. A total of 146 dental students (30.41% response rate) participated in the study. The median knowledge score was 10 (range, 6–14). Of these dental students, 98.6% reported knowing the definition of CA, and 54.3% (n=75) reported having received information about the topic in classes. Regarding professional’s actions, 49% (n=71) reported not knowing what measures to take in a suspected case of CA. A significant positive correlation was observed between knowledge scores and curricular period. It was concluded that students had adequate knowledge to diagnose CA; however, aspects related to appropriate professional’s actions remain unclear. Furthermore, knowledge scores were higher in the advanced stages of the dental curricula. Regarding perceptions, dental students appeared to be insecure with taking action in a case of suspected CA.