Parents' Attitude toward Child Abuse in the Health Centers of Tabriz.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Child abuse as an abnormal and inhumane behavior is a common phenomenon and has the great negative physical, mental and emotional consequences in childhood and adulthood for children that suffer of it. Parents are most perpetrators of child abuse. Parents' attitudes toward children and behavior with them, is one of the major causes of child abuse. This study was conducted to investigate the parents' attitude toward child abuse in the health centers of Tabriz. Methods: In this cross –sectional study, 384 parents referred to the 13 health centers of Tabriz with children aged 2-12 years, were selected by multistage method and their attitudes were assessed using a questionnaire within 2 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: Results showed that the mean score of the total attitude toward child abuse was significantly higher than the middle (p<0.001) and was significantly associated with parents' educational level, attendance status, number of children they have, and economic status (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed although the parents' attitudes toward child abuse were negative, because of the relationship between parents' attitudes with their demographic characteristics, it is necessary to improve the living conditions of families, and enhance their social and spiritual support to improve their attitudes and prevent the child abuse.