Insights into Child Abuse Reporting: Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices of Paediatricians in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia

Abdulaziz Abdullah Alosaimi; Abdullah Falah Alotaibi; Emad Marzouq Alsufyani; Saud Mohammed Alnefaie; Sultan Mohammed Alzahrani

doi:10.47310/jpms202514S0206

Author(s)

Abdulaziz Abdullah Alosaimi Taif Children Hospital, Taif 7781, Saudi Arabia

Abdullah Falah Alotaibi Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh 12625, Saudi Arabia

Emad Marzouq Alsufyani King Salman Specialized Hospital of the National Guard, Taif 26573, Saudi Arabia

Saud Mohammed Alnefaie King Salman Specialized Hospital of the National Guard, Taif 26573, Saudi Arabia

Sultan Mohammed Alzahrani Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh 12625, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Paediatricians are pivotal in recognizing and responding to child abuse. However, there is limited evidence regarding their preparedness in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia. This study evaluated paediatricians' knowledge, perceptions, professional experience and reporting practices related to child abuse. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among paediatricians (n = 117) working in hospitals and clinics across Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and Taif. A structured, expert-reviewed questionnaire assessed knowledge, perception, professional experience and reporting practices. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square/Fisher's exact tests were applied. Results: Most paediatricians (59.8%) demonstrated good knowledge, while 35.9% had fair knowledge and 4.3% poor knowledge. Perceptions were less favourable: only 15.4% reported good perception, while 49.6% showed poor perception. Professional experience was generally good (53.8%), but only 35.9% demonstrated good reporting practices. Male paediatricians reported better reporting (p = 0.004). Regional differences in perception were also significant (p = 0.002). Conclusion: While paediatricians displayed good knowledge and adequate professional experience, their perceptions and reporting practices remain suboptimal. Training programs tailored to regional challenges-emphasizing legal frameworks, reporting protocols and cultural sensitivities-are urgently needed to standardize responses and strengthen child protection outcomes.

Publication Details

Page(s) 35-41

DOI 10.47310/jpms202514S0206

Published Journal: Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences, Volume: 14, Issue: S2, Year: 2025

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Keywords

perception, child abuse, Child protection, Paediatric Healthcare, Reporting Practices

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