Three-year analysis of suspected child abuse and neglect at a regional hospital in Oman.

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the patterns and sociodemographic characteristics of suspected child abuse and neglect in Oman remains limited, particularly outside the national capital region.

AIM: To assess the patterns and sociodemographic characteristics of suspected child abuse and neglect cases at a regional hospital in Oman.

METHODS

We collated and analysed data on suspected child abuse and neglect cases among children aged 0-18 years from Rustaq Hospital, Oman, for the period August 2020 to August 2023. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to assess associations between abuse type, age, sex and parental marital status. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Neglect was most frequently reported (58.2%) among the 256 suspected cases, especially among children aged 0-4 years. Physical and sexual abuse were more frequent among older children, and emotional abuse among children from single-parent households. Neglect was higher among boys than girls (69.2% vs 48.9%; P = 0.001), while sexual abuse was more common among girls (34.5% vs 11.1%; P < 0.001). Overall, abuse type was significantly associated with age, sex and parental marital status.

CONCLUSION

Age, sex and parental marital status were associated with patterns of suspected child abuse and neglect in this regional hospital. Strengthening early detection, family support and targeted prevention may help improve child protection in this setting.