Psychosocial and clinical profiles of children with alleged history of sexual abuse: A study from a tertiary mental health care centre in Kerala.

IF 2.7 4区医学 Q2 PSYCHIATRY

International Journal of Social Psychiatry Pub Date : 2025-08-07 DOI:10.1177/00207640251358096

Neethumol Xaviour, Anvar Sadath, Sonu Sudevan Dev, Jaseem Koorankott, Anish Palliyalil Kakkolil, Seema Purushothaman Uthaman

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Given the long lasting physical and psychological effects of child sexual abuse (CSA), especially in light of its traumatic nature, and recognizing the dearth of knowledge regarding CSA and its associated risks within the context of Kerala, South India, this study endeavours to fill this critical gap.

Aim: To investigate the psychosocial and clinical characteristics of children with alleged history of child sexual abuse (CSA), particularly within the unique setting of a tertiary mental health care centre in Kerala.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review carried out in the child and adolescent psychiatric unit of IMHANS, Kozhikode, between January 2016 and December 2023. Data collected includes, socio demographic details, CSA characteristics, perpetrator characteristics, adherence to mandatory reporting protocols, level of willingness regarding reporting under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) and the clinical profile of the victim of CSA at the time of presentation. Statistical analysis were performed using SPSS.

Result: The study comprised 114 children, and the mean age of the victims at the first instance of abuse was 11.3 ± 3.52 years. 92.1% of perpetrators of CSA were individuals known to the victims. The most common form of CSA was genital contact without penetration (34.2%). The commonest psychiatric diagnosis was Adjustment Disorder (28.9%). Older children were associated with lower odds of parental reluctance in reporting cases under Protection of children from sexual offense act, 2012 (B = 0.167; OR = 0.84; CI [0.730, 0.981]). The odds of parental reluctance to reporting was approximately four times higher in cases where the perpetrator is a family member (B = 1.518; OR = 4.01; CI [1.724, 9.346]).

Conclusion: Overall, the study emphasizes the urgent need for raising awareness regarding legal procedures as well the manifestation of psychological symptoms, promoting early detection, providing specialized interventions, and establishing robust support systems to address the complex psychological and social concerns of the child sexual abuse victims.

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据称有性虐待史的儿童的社会心理和临床概况：喀拉拉邦一家三级精神保健中心的研究。

背景：考虑到儿童性虐待（CSA）对身体和心理的长期影响，特别是鉴于其创伤性的性质，并认识到在印度南部喀拉拉邦的背景下，关于CSA及其相关风险的知识缺乏，本研究努力填补这一关键空白。目的：调查据称有儿童性虐待史的儿童的心理社会和临床特征，特别是在喀拉拉邦的一家三级精神卫生保健中心的独特环境中。方法：对2016年1月至2023年12月在Kozhikode IMHANS儿童和青少年精神科进行的回顾性图表分析。收集到的数据包括社会人口统计细节、性暴力行为特征、犯罪者特征、遵守强制性报告协议、根据《2012年保护儿童免受性犯罪法案》（POCSO法案）报告的意愿程度，以及性暴力行为受害者在陈述时的临床情况。采用SPSS进行统计分析。结果：114名儿童被调查，第一次受虐待的平均年龄为11.3±3.52岁。92.1%的集体暴力施暴者是受害者认识的人。CSA最常见的形式是无插入性生殖器接触（34.2%）。最常见的精神科诊断为适应障碍（28.9%）。2012年《保护儿童免受性侵犯法》下，年龄较大的儿童父母不愿意报告案件的几率较低(B = 0.167；or = 0.84；Ci[0.730, 0.981])。当施暴者是家庭成员时，父母不愿报案的几率大约高出四倍(B = 1.518；or = 4.01；Ci[1.724, 9.346])。结论：总体而言，本研究强调迫切需要提高对法律程序和心理症状表现的认识，促进早期发现，提供专门干预，建立健全的支持系统，以解决儿童性虐待受害者复杂的心理和社会问题。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Social Psychiatry PSYCHIATRY-

CiteScore

12.30

自引率

1.30%

发文量

120

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Social Psychiatry, established in 1954, is a leading publication dedicated to the field of social psychiatry. It serves as a platform for the exchange of research findings and discussions on the influence of social, environmental, and cultural factors on mental health and well-being. The journal is particularly relevant to psychiatrists and multidisciplinary professionals globally who are interested in understanding the broader context of psychiatric disorders and their impact on individuals and communities. Social psychiatry, as a discipline, focuses on the origins and outcomes of mental health issues within a social framework, recognizing the interplay between societal structures and individual mental health. The journal draws connections with related fields such as social anthropology, cultural psychiatry, and sociology, and is influenced by the latest developments in these areas. The journal also places a special emphasis on fast-track publication for brief communications, ensuring that timely and significant research can be disseminated quickly. Additionally, it strives to reflect its international readership by publishing state-of-the-art reviews from various regions around the world, showcasing the diverse practices and perspectives within the psychiatric disciplines. This approach not only contributes to the scientific understanding of social psychiatry but also supports the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in mental health care.