A Systematic Review of Childhood Maltreatment Assessments in Population-Representative Surveys Since 1990
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLoS One
Abstract
Population-representative surveys that assess childhood maltreatment and health are a
valuable resource to explore the implications of child maltreatment for population health.
Systematic identification and evaluation of such surveys is needed to facilitate optimal use
of their data and to inform future research.
Objectives
To inform researchers of the existence and nature of population-representative surveys relevant
to understanding links between childhood maltreatment and health; to evaluate the
assessment of childhood maltreatment in this body of work.
Methods
We included surveys that: 1) were representative of the non-institutionalized population of
any size nation or of any geopolitical region 10 million people; 2) included a broad age
range ( 40 years); 3) measured health; 4) assessed childhood maltreatment retrospectively;
and 5) were conducted since 1990. We used Internet and database searching (including
CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, Global Health, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Social Policy and
Practice: January 1990 to March 2014), expert consultation, and other means to identify
surveys and associated documentation. Translations of non-English survey content were
verified by fluent readers of survey languages. We developed checklists to abstract and
evaluate childhood maltreatment content.
Results
Fifty-four surveys from 39 countries met inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 1,287-
51,945 and response rates from 15%-96%. Thirteen surveys assessed neglect, 15 emotional
abuse; 18 exposure to family violence; 26 physical abuse; 48 sexual abuse. Fourteen surveys
assessed more than three types; six of these were conducted since 2010. In nine
surveys childhood maltreatment assessments were detailed (+10 items for at least one type
of maltreatment). Seven surveys’ assessments had known reliability and/or validity.
Conclusions and Implications
Data from 54 surveys can be used to explore the population health relevance of child maltreatment.
Assessment of childhood maltreatment is not comprehensive but there is evidence
of recent improvement.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
statistics, review, population-based, Population-representative surveys, child maltreatment
Citation
Hovdestad, W., Campeau, A., Potter, D., & Tonmyr, L. (2015). A Systematic Review of Childhood Maltreatment Assessments in Population-Representative Surveys Since 1990. PLoS ONE, 10(5), e0123366.