NCJ Number
238312
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2012 Pages: 135-141
Date Published
February 2012
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study examined the prevalence of hospitalizations as a result of child maltreatment in Taiwan for the period 1996 through 2007.
Abstract
Findings from the study include the following: between 1996 and 2007, 1,726 children were identified with 1,780 hospitalizations resulting from child maltreatment; and the average annual incidence for the period was 13.2/10,000 for infants, 3.5/100,000 for ages 1-3 years, 2.1/100,000 for ages 4-6 years, and 3.3/100,000 for children aged 7-12 years. The study also found that the increase in the average annual incidence for infants of 4.8/100,000 in 1996-97 to 25.4/100,000 in 2006-07 corresponded with the introduction of shaken baby syndrome. The main type of injury resulting in hospitalization from child maltreatment was head injury. This study examined the prevalence of hospitalizations as a result of child maltreatment in Taiwan for the period 1996-2007. Data for the study were obtained through examination of inpatient claims data of the National Health Insurance for 1996 through 2007. The study obtained information on the number of children hospitalized with a diagnosis code of maltreatment syndrome or assault. Analysis of the data revealed that hospitalization due to child maltreatment in Taiwan differed by age, with infants having a higher incidence of hospitalizations than the other age groups. In addition, improved methods for diagnosing child maltreatment are indicated as a contributing factor in the increase in the annual incidence of such cases. Implications for health care providers and child protective services are discussed. Figure, tables, and references