Multimorbidity and polyvictimization in children — An analysis on the association of children's disabilities and long-term illnesses with mental violence and physical violence
Date
2021
Journal Title
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Publisher
Child Abuse & Neglect
Abstract
Background
Children's disabilities and long-term illnesses (DLTIs) are a significant risk factor in the development of maltreatment.
Objective
The study is focused on the association of children's DLTIs with child maltreatment and poly-victimization perpetrated by parents.
Participants and setting
The study is based on a 2013 Child Victim Survey (N = 11,364), which is a cross-sectional survey. This nationally representative survey focused on the life situation of Finnish children aged 12–17 years, as well as on experiences of violence, crime, and bullying.
Methods
Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of children's DLTIs and child maltreatment.
Results
Poly-victimization played a significant role in child maltreatment. Children's hearing impairment (OR 5.68, 95% Cl 2.25–14.35), physical disability (OR 3.32, 95% Cl 1.61–6.88), and mental health problems (OR 4.37, 95% Cl 1.63–11.72) increased the odds of poly-victimization more than other forms of abuse. The situation was similar with both somatic diseases (OR 1.59, 95% Cl 1.14–2.21) and psychiatric illnesses (OR 2.12, 95% Cl 1.36–2.47) in children. Further, somatic and psychiatric multimorbidity in children increased the odds of poly-victimization (OR 4.17, 95% Cl 2.25–7.75) slightly more than risk of physical abuse (OR 3.57, 95% 1.11–11.49). As control variables, child's gender and age, the family financial situation, and the parent's intimate partner violence were adjusted in all of the analyses.
Conclusion
Clinical professionals should consider children's multimorbidity as a potential risk factor of maltreatment. The results of the study can be used to support families and children with DLTIs.
Description
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Keywords
child maltreatment, research, disabilities, risk for abuse, Finland, International Resources
Citation
Seppälä, P., Vornanen, R., & Toikko, T. (2021). Multimorbidity and polyvictimization in children—An analysis on the association of children's disabilities and long-term illnesses with mental violence and physical violence. Child Abuse & Neglect, 122, 105350.