Prevalence, predictors, and consequences of workplace violence among female healthcare workers in tertiary care hospitals: A cross-sectional study in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, predictors and perpetrators of violence, and its impact on the mental health of female healthcare workers. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from June to October 2022 at three tertiary care hospitals after approval from the ethics review board of Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised female healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. Data was collected regarding workplace violence using a structured questionnaire adopted from literature. The incidence of verbal, physical and sexual violence in the preceding 12 months was noted, and predictors were analysed. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: Of the 140 subjects with an age range of 16-60 years, verbal violence was experienced by 102(72.9%) and physical violence by 26(18.6%), while verbal and physical forms of sexual violence were reported by 33(23.6%) and 13(9.3%), respectively. Those in the Medicine department had significantly lower odds of experiencing verbal violence compared to those from the Surgery department (adjusted odds ratio=0.223; 95% confidence interval: 0.078-0.036; p=0.005). Those in the Emergency department had significantly greater odds of experiencing physical violence compared to those in Surgery (adjusted odds ratio=8.716; 95% confidence interval: 1.693-44.87; p=0.01). Violence had a significant detrimental impact on the mental health of female healthcare workers (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Violence was found to be prevalent in the healthcare sector, specifically in stressful and critical-care departments, like Emergency and Surgery.

Relationship of domestic violence with pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy experience in Iranian pregnant women: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Violence has had adverse effects on the physical and psychological dimensions of pregnant women. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship of domestic violence with pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy experience. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, pregnant women were selected through two-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the domestic violence questionnaire of the WHO, pregnancy symptoms inventory (PSI) and pregnancy experience scale (PES). To determine the relationship between domestic violence with pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy experience, adjusted general linear model was used in multivariate analysis. SETTING: Health centres in Urmia-Iran in 2022. PARTICIPANTS: 415 pregnant women. RESULTS: The frequency of emotional, physical and sexual violence was 86.0%, 67.7% and 79.5%, respectively. The mean (SD) of PSI was 49.45 (14.38) with attainable score of 0-123 and PES including happiness and worry was 14.32 (6.48) and 16.21 (2.51) with attainable score of 0-30, respectively. Based on the adjusted general linear model, the mean score of PSI in women who experienced physical violence (mild (p<0.001) and moderate (p<0.001)); sexual violence (mild (p<0.001), moderate (p<0.001) and severe (p<0.001)); and emotional violence (mild (p<0.001), moderate (p=0.002) and severe (p<0.001)) was significantly higher than women without experiencing violence. The mean score of happiness during pregnancy in women who experienced physical violence (moderate (p=0.011)) and emotional violence (mild (p<0.001), moderate (p=0.002) and severe (p<0.001)) was significantly lower than women without experience of violence. Also, the mean score of worry scores in women with experience of sexual violence (mild (p=0.001) and moderate (p=0.012)) and emotional violence (mild (p<0.001), moderate (p<0.001)) and severe (p<0.001)) was significantly higher than women without experiencing violence. CONCLUSION: Considering the relationship between violence and pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy experiences, it is necessary to use appropriate strategies to prevent violence in pregnant women.

Explaining how childhood physical abuse and physical neglect influence adult depression: An analysis with multiple sequential mediators.

BACKGROUND: Substantial evidence indicates that experiencing physical abuse and neglect during childhood significantly elevates the likelihood of developing depression in adulthood. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of understanding regarding the mechanisms underpinning this correlation. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to examine the associations of childhood physical abuse and physical neglect with depression using follow-up data from UK Biobank and quantified the contribution of smoking, insomnia, and BMI in these associations. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS: This study included 144,704 participants (64,168 men and 80,536 women) from UK Biobank, most of whom were white (97 %). METHODS: Physical abuse and physical neglect were measured using two items of Childhood Trauma Screener (CTS). Data on the incidence of depression were obtained from primary care, hospital inpatient records, self-reported medical conditions, and death registries. We used a sequential mediation analysis based on the "g-formula" approach to explore the individual and joint effects of potential mediators. RESULTS: The depression incidence rate was 1.85 per 1000 person-years for men and 2.83 per 1000 person-years for women, respectively. Results of Cox proportional risk regression showed that physical abuse (HRs: 1.39-1.53, P < 0.001) and physical neglect (HRs: 1.43-1.60, P < 0.001) are associated with depression. Smoking, insomnia, and BMI together mediated 3 %-26 % of the associations. CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute to our understanding of how physical abuse and physical neglect influence depression. Furthermore, a more effective reduction in the burden of depression can be achieved by managing modifiable mediators.

Prevalence and associated factors of sexual, psychological, and physical violence among physical therapists in their clinical role in Spain: a national web-based cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent of career-long and 12-month exposure to sexual, physical, and psychological/verbal violence committed by patients or their companions among physical therapists in Spain. Additionally, to identify the factors associated with such exposure. METHODS: This study employed an observational cross-sectional approach. Initially, a questionnaire was developed and validated using a convenience sample. Subsequently, it was distributed via email to all physical therapists registered in Spain in the first quarter of 2022. Individual risk models were created for each type of violence experienced within the past 12 months. RESULTS: The prevalence of violence encountered by physical therapists throughout their careers was 47.9% for sexual violence, 42.7% for psychological/verbal abuse, and 17.6% for physical abuse. Lower values were observed within the last 12 months (13.4%, 15.8%, and 5.2%, respectively). Statistical risk modeling for each type of violence experienced in the past 12 months indicated that the common precipitating factor for all forms of violence was working with patients with cognitive impairment. Working part-time appeared to be a protective factor. Other factors, such as the practitioners' gender, practice setting, or clinic location showed variations among the diverse types of violence. CONCLUSIONS: The exposure to type II workplace violence within the last 12 months among physical therapists in Spain (Europe) is not so high as in some other world regions. Various individual, clinical, and professional/organizational risk factors have been identified in connection with type II workplace violence. Further research is warranted to compare the violence experienced once the COVID pandemic has subsided.

Alexithymia as a mediator of the associations between child maltreatment and internalizing and externalizing behaviors in adolescence.

Child maltreatment is a global concern that profoundly affects individuals throughout their lives. This study investigated the relationships between various forms of child maltreatment and behavior problems involving internalization and externalization during adolescence. Data obtained from a diverse sample of 1802 Canadians aged 14-18 years was used to examine the mediating role of alexithymia-a difficulty in recognizing and expressing emotions-in these associations. Results indicated that adolescents who experienced sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) in their childhood exhibited higher levels of alexithymia, which was correlated with elevated levels of both internalizing and externalizing problems. Physical abuse and parental neglect were only associated with externalizing problems. Gender differences also emerged, with gender-diverse adolescents reporting a higher prevalence of maltreatment, alexithymia, and behavior problems compared with their peers. However, alexithymia's mediating role was consistent across genders. Overall, this study highlights the intricate relationships between child maltreatment, alexithymia, and adolescent behavior problems. The findings of this study how different forms of child maltreatment significantly shape behavioral outcomes and indicate the importance of interventions in enhancing emotional awareness and expression in adolescents with a childhood history of maltreatment.

The reciprocal relationship between child maltreatment and children's bullying victimization in China.

Children who experience physical and psychological maltreatment within their family are more likely to become victims of abuse outside the family. In Chinese culture, children's victimization may also be a precursor to parenting behaviors. Nevertheless, the reciprocal relationship between child maltreatment and children's bullying victimization remains unclear, particularly in Chinese culture. This study aimed to evaluate the reciprocal association between child maltreatment and children's bullying victimization in China, as well as its gender differences. A total of 891 children aged 8-11 years in China participated in the study at four time points. The potential reciprocal link was examined using a cross-lagged model. The results indicated that physical abuse predicted children's bullying victimization across four time points, while physical neglect predicted children's bullying victimization during the first three time points. The effects of emotional abuse and neglect were negligible. Conversely, children's bullying victimization consistently predicted various types of parental maltreatment over time. Some gender differences in the relationship were found. The findings emphasized a reciprocal relationship between child maltreatment within the family and children's bullying victimization at school. Understanding the cyclical patterns between child maltreatment and bullying victimization may help improve family education approaches and reduce children's bullying victimization.

Prevalence of interpersonal violence against children in sport in six European countries.

BACKGROUND: Investigating prevalence of child abuse in sport is a relatively new field of research, born from the need for credible data on this phenomenon. OBJECTIVE: To establish prevalence rates of interpersonal violence against children in sport in six European countries. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: The sample (N = 10,302) consists of individuals aged 18-30 who had participated in organized sport prior to age 18 (49.3 % male, 50 % female). METHODS: A self-report questionnaire was developed (the Interpersonal Violence Against Children in Sport Questionnaire or IVACS-Q) to measure prevalence of five categories of interpersonal violence (neglect, psychological violence, physical violence, non-contact sexual violence, and contact sexual violence) against children who participate in sport. Validation testing (published separately) showed reasonable levels of convergent and divergent validity. Prevalence rates are calculated by national context, whether inside or outside sport, and by sex (male/female). RESULTS: Prevalence of IVACS inside sport differed by category: psychological violence (65 %, n = 6679), physical violence (44 %, n = 4514), neglect (37 %, n = 3796), non-contact sexual violence (35 %, n = 3565), and contact sexual violence (20 %, n = 2060). Relatively small geographical differences were found. Across all categories, males (79 %, n = 4018) reported significantly more experiences inside sport than females (71 %, n = 3653) (χ2(1) = 92.507, p < .000). Strong correlations were found between experiencing violence inside and outside sport. CONCLUSIONS: Interpersonal violence against children in sport is widespread. The sector's approach to prevention must recognize the risks to female and male children (and all children) and the additional vulnerabilities of abused children. Further comparative and longitudinal research within sport is required.

Exploring the complex links between childhood exposure to intimate partner violence, maltreatment, and self-regulation: A three-wave cross-lagged study.

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) often co-occurs with childhood maltreatment and negatively impacts children's development. While previous research has shown a direct link between these experiences and children's self-regulation, less is known about the potential unique effect and bidirectional associations between them. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the bidirectional effects among maternal IPV experiences, child maltreatment, and children's behavioral self-regulation. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 4,402 participants from three waves of the longitudinal study of the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) were included in the study. METHODS: Cross-lagged path analyses were conducted to examine the longitudinal reciprocal relationships among IPV, child maltreatment, and children's behavioral regulation when children were 3, 5, and 9 years old. RESULTS: IPV exposure at ages 3 and 5 was negatively associated with levels of behavioral self-regulation at ages 5 and 9, even after accounting for physical maltreatment, psychological maltreatment, or neglect. Neglect at ages 3 and 5 was found to be associated with lower levels of behavioral self-regulation at later ages, when IPV exposure was considered in the models. Lower levels of behavioral self-regulation at age 3 were found to be linked with higher levels of psychological maltreatment, physical maltreatment, neglect, and IPV exposure at age 5. CONCLUSION: This study revealed bidirectional effects between maternal IPV experiences, child maltreatment, and children's behavioral self-regulation. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that exposure to IPV during early childhood significantly predicts long-term behavioral self-regulation difficulties, even after controlling for the effects of child maltreatment.

Experiências adversas na infância: um estudo com autores de agressão sexual / Experiencias infantiles adversas: un estudio con perpretadores de agresiones sexuales / Adverse childhood experiences: a study addressing the perpetrators of sexual violence

This study aimed to describe the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) of perpetrators of sexual violence of children and adolescents and their relationship with the abusers' personal and situational factors (n = 30). Hence, a database composed of the transcripts of interviews was analyzed using content analysis, from which thematic categories emerged as proposed by the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). Physical abuse was the most frequently reported (70%). Sexual abuse was reported by almost half of the sample, which presented an increased risk in the face of the death and/or divorce of parents (RR = 4.21) and emotional neglect (RR = 3.2). In addition, the participants with higher ACE-Scores abused children more recurrently and less frequently consumed alcohol or other drugs. The interpretation of the results in light of the literature reinforces the hypothesis that the consequences of adversities during childhood are associated with a higher likelihood of becoming a victim throughout life and manifesting risky behaviors, such as aggressive sexual behavior. Future studies are suggested to apply the ACE-IQ to larger samples and implement a post-test to contribute to more effective interventions to treat this population.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar las Experiencias Adversas en la Infancia por parte de los perpetradores de agresión de niños y niñas y la asociación con factores personales y situacionales identificados. (n = 30). Para ello, se utilizó el instrumento de cribado del Cuestionario Internacional de Experiencias Adversas en la Infancia (ACE-IQ) para el análisis de los datos. El maltrato físico fue reportado con mayor frecuencia (70%) y el abuso sexual fue mencionado por casi la mitad de la muestra, con su riesgo aumentado ante la muerte y/o divorcio de los padres (RR = 4,21) y negligencia emocional (RR = 3.2). Participantes con ACE-Scores más altos han agredido repetidamente a sus víctimas y con menos necesidad de consumir alcohol y/o otras drogas. Los resultados muestran que las consecuencias de la exposición a la adversidad en la infancia están asociadas no solo a la probabilidad de convertirse en víctima a lo largo de la vida, sino también a caminos de transitar permeados por conductas de riesgo y criminalidad. Se sugiere que más estudios puedan aplicar el ACE-IQ a muestras más grandes, con la realización de una prueba posterior, lo que puede contribuir a intervenciones más efectivas al servicio de esta población.

Este estudo objetivou descrever Experiências Adversas na Infância (EAI) relatadas por autores de agressão sexual de crianças e adolescentes e sua relação com fatores pessoais e situacionais identificados (n = 30). Para tanto, utilizou-se um banco de dados formado por transcrições de entrevistas previamente realizadas, cuja análise de conteúdo considerou categorias temáticas retiradas do Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). O abuso físico foi o mais relatado (70%) e o abuso sexual mencionado por quase metade da amostra, tendo seu risco aumentado diante da morte e/ou separação dos pais (RR = 4.21) e negligência emocional (RR = 3.2). Participantes com maiores ACE-Scores agrediram de forma mais recorrente e com menor uso de álcool e/ou outras drogas. A interpretação dos resultados à luz da literatura da área reforça a hipótese de que as consequências da exposição à adversidade na infância estão relacionadas tanto à probabilidade de tornar-se vítima ao longo da vida quanto de vir a manifestar comportamentos de risco, como a conduta sexual agressiva. Estudos posteriores poderão aplicar o ACE-IQ diretamente e em amostras maiores, com a realização de pós-teste, o que favorecerá a promoção de intervenções mais eficazes no atendimento a essa população.

Protective Community Norms and Mental Health Risks for Severe Physical Abuse: Lessons From a Nationally Representative Study of Ghana.

Although it has become axiomatic to quote an African proverb in discussions of child well-being, attempts to draw concrete and positive lessons from how African communities respond to and mitigate child maltreatment are comparatively few. This study tested the hypothesis that the collective value of Abiriwatia in Ghana, which supports legitimate norms of community obligations to care for children, could be protective against physical abuse. It also examined the claim that knowledge of the familial situation of community members, generated through Abiriwatia, may help them to act to mitigate the risk of caregiver's borderline personality disorder (BPD) features. We obtained a nationally representative sample of 1,100 female caregivers from 22 Ghanaian settlements and tested the hypotheses using multilevel models. Controlling for community-level physical abuse, living in a community with high levels of Abiriwatia childcare and community authority values is associated with lower levels of very severe physical abuse, and Abiriwatia childcare may mitigate risk from the caregiver's BPD features. Within Ghana, encouraging positive and protective aspects of traditional Ghanaian values and working to reinstate respect for these values may have positive outcomes for children. Interventions to reduce child maltreatment should be developed with reference to Abiriwatia childcare values.

Parental Risk and Protective Factors in Child Maltreatment: A Systematic Review of the Evidence.

This study systematically reviews and synthesizes evidence on parental risk and protective factors along with identifying differences in the presence of these factors based on maltreatment type. In all, 68 quantitative, published, empirical studies were included from electronic databases for the systematic review. Quality appraisal did not exclude any studies and data were extracted from all. Results were narratively synthesized using the Risk and Resilience Ecological framework. The findings revealed more risk factors on the micro (individual and family) ecological level compared to mezzo and macro levels. At the micro level, findings mirror results of prior systematic reviews such as parental substance abuse, history of childhood maltreatment, and intimate partner violence (IPV). Social support was the most significant protective factor across all ecological levels and across all maltreatment types except child sexual abuse but differed in definition widely across studies. Physical abuse had the most risk factors unique to this type followed by neglect, and IPV was a common risk factor across all maltreatment types. Fewer studies on emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and protective factors were identified. The findings of this review delineated key parental risk and protective factors at various ecological levels along with associations between distinct factors and types of maltreatment. Interventions working with parents to reduce child maltreatment risk can use these findings to guide development of targeted programs for families based on risk and maltreatment type. For researchers, the findings can guide further investigation in under-researched areas of parental sexual and emotional abuse and protective factors.

Is Household Unemployment Associated With Increased Verbal and Physical Child Abuse During the COVID Pandemic?

PURPOSE: The economic downturn due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic initially led to a large increase in the US unemployment rate. Being laid-off or losing a job could cause financial stress and have an impact on the relationship between parents or other adults in the home and children. We aimed to assess the effect of household unemployment on child physical and emotional abuse during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an older population of children. METHODS: Data were from a sample of 7,555 students from 51 schools that participated in a survey administered from October to December 2020. We conducted weighted multivariable logistic regression models and report adjusted odds ratio to estimate associations between recent household unemployment and emotional and physical abuse. RESULTS: Having a parent or other adult in the home with a job loss was associated with higher odds of emotional or physical abuse. CONCLUSIONS: The findings are consistent with child maltreatment prevention strategies focused on alleviating economic hardship.

The Association Between Patterns of Trauma Exposure, Family Dysfunction, and Psychopathology Among Adolescent Females With Depressive Symptoms From Low-Income Contexts.

Distinguishing profiles of trauma exposure among low-income adolescent females with depressive symptoms is important for understanding comorbidity, family relationships, and treatment. Specifically, child maltreatment is essential to examine in comparison to other traumas. Participants included 170 adolescent females (65.3% Black; 21.2% White; 13.5% other race; 14.1% Latina/x) with depressive symptoms and their primary caregiver from low-income families. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified three trauma classes. Probabilities of endorsing different subtypes of maltreatment (physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse), number of subtypes of maltreatment, and non-maltreatment traumas (accident, experiencing or witnessing physical assault, death or injury of loved one, medical trauma) varied among groups. Higher levels of family dysfunction and traumatic stress symptoms were reported in both classes with maltreatment exposure as compared to the class with only non-maltreatment trauma exposure. Findings have implications for family-focused interventions for maltreated adolescent females with depressive symptoms from low-income contexts.

Self-reported Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Custodial Grandmothers: Frequencies, Patterns, and Correlates.

Given the scarce past research on custodial grandparents' early life circumstances, we investigated frequencies, patterns, and predictors of 14 adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) reported by 355 custodial grandmothers (CGMs). Predominant ACEs were bullying (54.6%), verbal abuse (51.5%), physical abuse (45.4%), and living with a substance abuser (41.1%). Only 11% of CGMs reported 0 ACEs, whereas 52.4% reported >4. Latent class analyses yielded three classes of ACE exposure: minimal (54.1%), physical/emotional abuse (25.9%), and complex (20.0%). Age was the only demographic factor related to ACE class, with the complex class being younger than the other two. MANCOVAs with age as a covariate revealed that different ACE profiles have unique impacts on CGMs' physical and psychological well-being. We conclude that ACEs are highly prevalent among CGMs and a serious public health concern. Future research addressing ACEs among CGMs is critical in order to support these caregivers and promote resilience in custodial grandfamilies.

Child Maltreatment and Intimate Partner Violence in Mental Health Settings.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment (physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and children's exposure to IPV) are two of the most common types of family violence; they are associated with a broad range of health consequences. We summarize evidence addressing the need for safe and culturally-informed clinical responses to child maltreatment and IPV, focusing on mental health settings. This considers clinical features of child maltreatment and IPV; applications of rights-based and trauma- and violence-informed care; how to ask about potential experiences of violence; safe responses to disclosures; assessment and interventions that include referral networks and resources developed in partnership with multidisciplinary and community actors; and the need for policy and practice frameworks, appropriate training and continuing professional development provisions and resources for mental health providers. Principles for a common approach to recognizing and safely responding to child maltreatment and IPV are discussed, recognizing the needs in well-resourced and scarce resource settings, and for marginalized groups in any setting.

Factors associated with caregiver help seeking behavior among at-risk children.

BACKGROUND: Few at-risk school-age children receive needed psychological help, and our understanding of predictors of service use in this population is limited. Many broader contextual factors have received little attention including caregiver's trauma history and social support, father involvement, family functioning, and neighborhood satisfaction. The links between types of and cumulative maltreatment have also been inconsistent, and prior work has not always accounted for children's symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The current study examined child, caregiver, family, neighborhood, and maltreatment factors in relation to past-year mental health service use among at-risk eight-year-old children. Cumulative and types of maltreatment were both investigated to help elucidate the role of these experiences. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING/METHOD: Eight hundred and forty-five eight-year-old at-risk children (48.3 % male; 59.5 % Black) from the Longitudinal Studies in Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) were included. RESULTS: A small portion of children (12.4 %) received psychological help in the previous year. Children's externalizing symptoms, residing with a non-biological caregiver, cumulative maltreatment and sexual and emotional abuse were associated with seeking psychological services, whereas physical abuse, neglect, and domestic violence exposure were not. Other caregiver factors, and family and neighborhood factors were also unrelated. CONCLUSIONS: Non-biological caregivers as well as caregivers of children with higher levels of externalizing symptoms may be more inclined to seek out mental health services, along with greater, and specific, maltreatment experiences. These findings indicate that child factors may be key in understanding help seeking, however, it is important to further consider other broader contextual factors in future work.

Adverse childhood experiences and child behavioral health trajectory from early childhood to adolescence: A latent class analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) profoundly influence child development. Different patterns of ACEs among boys and girls may be associated with different developmental trajectories. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify patterns of ACEs at age three and tested the associations of these patterns with child behavioral health problems from age three to age fifteen. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: This study used data (N = 4898) from the Fragile Families Child Wellbeing Study. METHODS: First, this study conducted latent class analysis (LCA) across ten indicators of ACEs at age 3. LCA was conducted separately for boys and girls. Second, class membership was tested for associations with child internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors (ages three, five, nine, and fifteen years). RESULTS: LCA identified five classes of ACEs for girls: low ACEs, parental separation, financial difficulty, chaotic home, and child maltreatment. LCA for boys, however, identified a six-class solution, in which there was a physical abuse-only class, while also a sixth high ACEs class that included both physical and emotional abuse. Classes with the most ACEs often had the highest symptomology (internalizing symptoms ranging from 0.24 to 0.56; externalizing ranging from 0.36 to 1.00; ps < .05). However, differences in behavioral health were detected depending on the patterns of ACES. At ages nine and fifteen, the financial difficulty group also had high symptomatology (internalizing symptoms ranging from 0.23 to 0.43; externalizing from 0.23 to 0.46; ps < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide implications including the need to examine ACEs heterogeneity and address financial difficulty as a substantial ACE.

Profiles of family maltreatment and peer victimization: Associations with psychosocial adjustment in Chinese children.

BACKGROUND: Although the family and peer systems are both important for children's development, few studies have simultaneously considered the impact of adversity experienced in these systems on children. OBJECTIVE: The first purpose of this study was using latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify profiles of family maltreatment (i.e., physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect) and peer victimization (i.e., physical victimization and relational victimization) among Chinese elementary school children. The second purpose was to examine associations between the identified profiles and short-term psychosocial adjustment (i.e., self-esteem, depression symptoms, prosocial behavior, and externalizing behavior). PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: The sample included 4313 children (45.6 % girls) with an average age of 10.9 years (SD = 0.49) from a large city in China. METHOD: Assessments were conducted on two occasions six months apart. Family maltreatment and peer victimization were assessed at Time 1. Psychosocial adjustment was assessed at Time 2. RESULTS: The potential complexity of children's adversity experiences was revealed in that six profiles of family maltreatment and peer victimization in children were identified: (a) Low-risk; (b) Slight peer victimization; (c) Severe peer victimization; (d) Serious neglect; (e) Severe maltreatment; (f) Doubly disadvantaged. Children in the low-risk profile showed the best psychosocial adjustment whereas children in the doubly disadvantaged profile showed the worst psychosocial adjustment. The findings revealed additional differences in the subsequent psychosocial adjustment of the children in the six profiles. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of multiple profiles and differing relations to psychosocial adjustment implies that interventions should be tailored to members of specific profiles.

Age at first exposure to violence and later mental health outcomes: A sex-disaggregated, multi-country analysis in sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of research has begun examining the relationship between a child's age at first exposure to violence and outcomes of mental wellbeing, though no studies have assessed these relationships in the sub-Saharan African (SSA) region. OBJECTIVE: Given known gender and sex differences in violence exposure and mental health symptomology, this study conducts a multi-country, gender-stratified analysis of the relationship between age at first incident of physical violence and outcomes of wellbeing in SSA. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: This study uses data from the Violence Against Children Surveys on 13-24-year-old males and females in five SSA countries (Kenya (2010), Malawi (2013), Nigeria (2014), Tanzania (2009), and Uganda (2015)). METHODS: The predictor of interest is a categorical variable indicating whether a respondent's first exposure to physical violence took place from 0 to 5, 6-11, 12 and older, or never. Outcomes of interest include: sadness, anxiety, suicide ideation, smoking, drug use, and alcohol use. Employing both country-specific and pooled data, gender-stratified, multiple logistic regressions are used to estimate the effect of age at first exposure to physical violence on the six outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Findings show significant variation across countries in age at first exposure to physical violence. For females, findings reveal no association between age at first exposure and outcomes of wellbeing; all periods were equally associated with poor outcomes. For males, results show increased likelihood of anxiety, suicide ideation, and alcohol use when the first violence exposure occurred from 0 to 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study advances the literature on gender and sex differences in mental health symptomology, suggesting that boys and girls may exhibit different symptomology in response to comparable exposures to violence.

Exploring the Relationships Between Child Maltreatment and Risk Factors for Pregnancy Complications.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the pathways underlying the relationships between child maltreatment (CM) subtypes (i.e., physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect) and factors associated with a heightened risk of pregnancy complications by examining post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as a potential mediator. METHODS: A sample of 98 pregnant parents between the ages of 18 and 29 years was recruited through social media and community organizations throughout Canada. Participants completed a series of surveys on their exposure to CM, PTSD symptoms, and pregnancy experiences on a secure online platform. Following data cleaning procedures, 85 participants were included in this study. RESULTS: Four separate mediation analyses were conducted with child neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse as factors associated with a heightened risk of pregnancy complications (i.e., a congregate score of limited prenatal care, weight gain concerns, smoking, second-hand smoke, alcohol consumption, substance use, and insufficient food intake during pregnancy). Each CM subtype was associated with increased PTSD symptoms, which were in turn associated with the presence of more factors known for increasing the risk of pregnancy complications. Neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse were all indirectly associated with the presence of more factors associated with a heightened risk of pregnancy complications through their association with PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study could encourage prenatal care providers to screen for CM history and PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, mental health treatment early in the prenatal period may improve pregnant parents' health and lower their risk of pregnancy complications.