Knowledge levels of pediatric surgeons about child abuse and neglect: A survey study

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine about knowledge level and opinions of pediatric surgeon’ about child abuse and neglect and to draw attention to this issue.  Method: The research was conducted as a descriptive study among those who attended the 28th National Congress of Pediatric Surgery and agreed to participate in the research (n=56). Data were collected using the “Questionnaire Form” and analyzed using number, percentage, mean, standard deviation and chi-square test.  Results: The average of correct answers of the physicians participating in the study was 23.9 ± 7.6. No statistically significant difference was found between the correct response averages of physicians who had previously received training and the correct response average of physicians who had not received education (p=0.966). It was seen that 89% of the participants had a desire to obtain information on this subject.  Conclusions: According to the findings obtained as a result of the research, we think that pediatric surgeons need more information about child abuse and neglect, and in order to provide early diagnosis, faculty education and in-service training programs should be given importance.