مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Examination of the relationship between the duration and frequency of abuse and the trauma symptoms among survivors of sexual abuse

Abstract :

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether a relationship between the presence and severity of trauma symptoms and duration/frequency of abuse and socio-demographic variables exist or not. Methods: Sixty-five children, aged between 5-17 years, who were admitted to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department of Akdeniz University Hospital due to sexual abuse have been enrolled to the study with their mothers. Existing psychopathologies of children were evaluated by Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL) and PTSD were evaluated by Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents (CAPS-CA). For identifying PTSD in their parents Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) was used. Results: 84.6% of victims (n = 55) were female and15.4% (n = 10) were male. There was no significant relationship between the frequency and duration of abuse and CAPS B, C, and D scores (P 0.05). Similarly, no significant relationship was present between the frequency and duration of abuse and CAPS B, C, and D scores of the mothers (P 0.05). In females, age and education level were positively correlated with the CAPS B, C and D scores. Parents’ education level was tending to be lower by decreasing age of victimized children. Conclusion: Multiple factors (personal, familial, and pertaining to abuse) may play role in the impact of abuse on mental health of survivors of sexual abuse. Education levels of parents seem to be related with both the abuse risk of children and its impact on the child’s mental health after sexual abuse.