What happens next: The lingering effects of child abuse in a Mexican cohort.

BACKGROUND

Understanding the lingering effects of child abuse may improve healthcare pathways with preventive and supportive strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To compare adverse outcomes between survivors of child abuse and non-exposed subjects.

DESIGN AND

SETTING

This is a cohort study conducted at the Pediatric Emergency Department of the Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.

METHODS

This cohort study of Mexicans compared adverse outcomes between survivors of child abuse and non-exposed individuals from 2011 to 2018. Additionally, we contacted survivors in 2020 to collect additional data, including sociodemographic and study variable-related information.

RESULTS

This study included 300 survivors of child abuse, paired by age with 300 non-exposed subjects. Neglect and sexual abuse were the most frequent types of abuse. Among the survivors, there was a higher risk of hyperactivity with attention deficit [Relative Risk (RR) = 4.65(2.06-10.51); P = 0.0001], drug abuse [RR = 3.09(1.25-7.63); P = 0.0001], mood disorders [RR = 2.97(1.81-4.86); P = 0.0001], tobacco use [RR = 2.79(1.60-4.88); P = 0.0001], and engagement with substance abuse and sexual intercourse at a younger age. Non-exposed subjects had a higher level of education [RR = 0.65(0.49-0.87); P = 0.0001] and were more engaged in sports [RR = 0.31(0.18-0.52); P = 0.0001].

CONCLUSION

Survivors of child abuse are at risk for psychological problems and substance abuse. Increasing sports engagement and school attendance may protect against adverse outcomes.