Abstract
Objective: To determine the pattern of child abuse in underdeveloped area of Punjab.
Methodology: Study Design: Cross sectional study.
Place & Duration: Out patient department at Multi centre study of Pakistan during July 2018 to December 2018. Methodology; A total of 105 victims of child abuse were included in the study by non probability consecutive sampling technique. All cases of abuse between 3-14 years of age, who gave consent were included while already diagnosed cases of bleeding disorders, Osteoporosis and those didn't give the consent were excluded from study. Help of X-rays, Ultrasound and blood tests was taken when required. SPSS 16.0 was used to analyze the data.
Results: Out of 105 cases, males were in majority (59%) than female (40%) and most common abuse type found was physical abuse (47.6%), then emotional abuse (21.9%), followed by sexual abuse (22%) and neglect (17%). Educational status of the parents/guardians and their monthly income showed that majority of those were illiterate (56%) and 43% having their income up to Rs. 10000/- per month.
Conclusion: We concluded that male gender was major victim of abuse and most common pattern of abuse in males was physical. These facts need to be communicated to Law enforcement agencies, media, civilsociety, NGO' sand awareness programs especially for teacher sand parents should be arranged, so that effective control can be achieved in minimum time and resources by precise policy making.