Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze factors associated with the identification and reporting of abuse of children and adolescents in the course of the practice of physicians working in primary care, as well as the influence their training had in this practice. Carried out between 2010 and 2012, the survey involved 227 Family Health Strategy physicians in municipalities of the state of Ceará, Brazil. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done based on data from questionnaires the participants responded to. Most reported not having been trained in the subject during their undergraduate studies (73.6%), that they did not know the form used to report violence (59%), and that the unit where they worked did not have such a form available (80.5%). Most also reported not knowing institutions they could refer victims of abuse to (85.6%). Of the participants, 53.1% had already identified at least one case of abuse of children and adolescents during their professional practice and 52.6% reported the case. Time since graduation, awareness of the notification form, and confidence in protection agencies were associated with the identification of abuse. The availability of the notification form at the unit and knowledge of a place to refer the victims to were factors for notification. It was concluded that there is a need to discuss and guide training physicians in the identification of this issue and in the handling of its notification.
Keywords
domestic violence; child; adolescent; abuse reporting; primary health care
Fonte: Os autores.