Service utilization patterns of maltreated and nonmaltreated children from low-income, African-American families.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined health care utilization patterns by maltreatment status among youths from low-income households across multiple service domains.

METHODS

Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 153 African-American maltreated and nonmaltreated children (ages eight to 12). The youths were children of women recruited at a large inner-city public hospital for a study examining intimate partner violence and child maltreatment. Use of psychiatric, medical, child care, social support, and crisis health care services was assessed.

RESULTS

Psychiatric and child care service utilization was significantly different between maltreated and nonmaltreated children across three categories of child maltreatment (emotional, physical, and sexual abuse). Maltreated youths were six to 13 times more likely than their nonmaltreated counterparts to use psychiatric and child care services. Medical service utilization was higher for emotionally abused youths.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study may serve to facilitate improved screening, identify points of access for intervention, and enhance treatment for maltreated youths.