Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Undergraduate Nursing Students about Child Abuse and Neglect: A Cross-sectional Study

• Published in: Teaching and learning in nursing 2024-10
• Main Authors: Alnaeem, Mohammad M., Abu Sabra, Mohammad A., Hamdan-Mansour, Ayman M., Al-Ghabeesh, Suhair Hussni, Abuatallah, Alaa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attitude and Perception; Child abuse and neglect; Knowledge; Undergraduate nursing students
• ISSN: 1557-3087
• DOI: 10.1016/j.teln.2024.10.009

•Child abuse and neglect is a global problem that has serious impacts on a child's health and well-being.•It is important to educate and enhance the insights of individuals who will contact children, such as nursing students, to shape the attitudes and practices of future nurses in addressing child welfare.•Most undergraduate nursing students have mild to moderate knowledge and preparation regarding child abuse and neglect, and most of them have a positive attitude toward suspected child abuse and what to do when they encounter this problem in the future.•University curricula modifications should focus on providing actual educational experiences about child abuse and neglect to enhance students’ awareness of child abuse and neglect issues. Child abuse and neglect are major public health issues with long-term consequences for child health and welfare. Therefore, it is important to educate and enhance the insights of nursing students to shape the attitudes and practices of future nurses in addressing child abuse and neglect. the current study aims to examine knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of undergraduate nursing students toward child abuse and neglect A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to recruit 559 undergraduate nursing students to fill out the required questionnaires. The results showed that nursing students' knowledge about child abuse and neglect in the 3rd and 4th years has significantly higher levels than students in the 1st and 2nd years. In addition, the nursing students’ attitude toward child abuse and neglect was positive. Nursing students perceived that children from low-income families, quiet and shy children, and children with low academic achievements were the most likely to be abused and that those who abuse alcohol and lack education were the most likely to be abusers. To support society in reporting or appropriately handling child abuse and neglect, it is critical to raise awareness of the significance of reporting child abuse, particularly sexual abuse.