The Level Of Knowledge, Attitudes And Actions Of Dentists Towards Child Abuse At The Puskesmas And Medan City Hospital

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The Role of Dentists in the Detection and Prevention of Child Abuse: A Case Study in Medan City

Introduction

Child Abuse is a serious public health problem that has a negative impact on physical, mental, and child development. According to data, 50-75% of injuries due to violence in children occur in the mouth, face, and neck areas, making the dentist the frontline in detecting the signs of child abuse. In this context, the role of dentists in the detection and prevention of Child Abuse is crucial. However, the level of knowledge, attitudes, and actions of dentists towards Child Abuse is still unclear. This study aims to uncover the level of knowledge, attitudes, and actions of dentists towards Child Abuse in the Puskesmas and Medan City Hospital.

Background

Child Abuse is a complex issue that affects children worldwide. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The consequences of Child Abuse can be severe and long-lasting, affecting a child's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. In Indonesia, Child Abuse is a significant public health problem, with many cases reported every year. The role of dentists in detecting and preventing Child Abuse is critical, as they are often the first healthcare professionals to encounter children who have been abused.

Methodology

This study used an analytical descriptive method with a cross-sectional approach, involving 234 respondents who meet the inclusion-exclusion criteria. Data was collected through online questionnaires and analyzed univariate and bivariate with a significance level of 5% (p <0.05). The study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and actions of dentists towards Child Abuse in the Puskesmas and Medan City Hospital.

Results

The results of this study showed that the majority of dentists in Medan had a good level of knowledge (67.5%). There is a positive correlation between the level of knowledge and the length of practice of practical, which shows that practicing experience can increase dentist's understanding of child abuse. Nevertheless, the attitude aspect shows more positive results with 97% of respondents having a good attitude towards the handling of Child Abuse. Positive correlation is also found between attitudes and long practice experiences. This indicates that professional experience not only increases knowledge, but also fosters a positive attitude in dealing with the issue of Child Abuse.

However, the aspect of action shows a shocking result. As many as 97.9% of respondents have a bad category of action in handling child abuse. This shows a great gap between knowledge and good attitude with actions that are still less optimal. Interestingly, there is no significant relationship between the length of practice of practical experience with the category of action. This indicates that the experience is not enough to encourage the right action in handling Child Abuse.

Discussion

The results of this study highlighted the importance of more intensive information and training to increase awareness and ability of dentists in identifying and handling cases of Child Abuse. Legal aspects related to Child Abuse also need more attention so that dentists have a strong legal basis in carrying out their role in protecting children. The study also suggests that the experience of dentists is not enough to encourage the right action in handling Child Abuse. This indicates that more intensive training and education are needed to improve the actions of dentists in handling Child Abuse.

Suggestions and Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following suggestions and recommendations are made:

  • Conduct regular training and seminars that focus on handling child abuse to increase the knowledge, attitudes, and actions of dentists.
  • Building close cooperation between dentists, health institutions, and child protection institutions to build a structured and effective referral system.
  • Inserting Child Abuse material into the Dental Education Curriculum to ensure that prospective dentists have adequate knowledge from the start.
  • Conduct public campaigns and education to increase public awareness about the importance of the role of dentists in the detection and prevention of Child Abuse.

Conclusion

Increased knowledge and skills of dentists in detecting and handling child abuse is an important step in protecting children from violence. Awareness and collective efforts from various parties are needed to create a safe environment and protect the rights of children. The study highlights the importance of more intensive information and training to increase awareness and ability of dentists in identifying and handling cases of Child Abuse. The study also suggests that the experience of dentists is not enough to encourage the right action in handling Child Abuse. Therefore, more intensive training and education are needed to improve the actions of dentists in handling Child Abuse.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study only involved dentists in the Puskesmas and Medan City Hospital, which may not be representative of all dentists in Indonesia. Secondly, the study only investigated the level of knowledge, attitudes, and actions of dentists towards Child Abuse, and did not investigate other factors that may influence their behavior. Finally, the study only used a cross-sectional approach, which may not be able to capture the dynamic nature of Child Abuse.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to investigate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and actions of dentists towards Child Abuse in other settings, such as private clinics and hospitals. Additionally, future research should aim to investigate other factors that may influence the behavior of dentists in handling Child Abuse, such as their experience, education, and training. Finally, future research should aim to develop and evaluate interventions that can improve the knowledge, attitudes, and actions of dentists in handling Child Abuse.

References

  • [1] World Health Organization. (2019). Child Abuse and Neglect.
  • [2] United Nations Children's Fund. (2019). The State of the World's Children 2019.
  • [3] Indonesian Ministry of Health. (2019). National Plan of Action for Child Abuse and Neglect.
  • [4] Indonesian Dental Association. (2019). Code of Ethics for Dentists.

Note: The references provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Role of Dentists in the Detection and Prevention of Child Abuse

Q: What is the role of dentists in the detection and prevention of Child Abuse?

A: Dentists play a crucial role in the detection and prevention of Child Abuse. As healthcare professionals, they are often the first point of contact for children who have been abused. Dentists can detect signs of Child Abuse, such as bruises, cuts, or other injuries, and report them to the authorities.

Q: What are the signs of Child Abuse that dentists should look out for?

A: Dentists should look out for signs of Child Abuse, such as:

  • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or other injuries
  • Unusual behavior, such as being overly aggressive or passive
  • Poor oral hygiene or dental health
  • Unusual or inconsistent stories about the child's history or behavior
  • Signs of neglect, such as malnutrition or poor hygiene

Q: What should dentists do if they suspect a child has been abused?

A: If a dentist suspects a child has been abused, they should:

  • Report their concerns to the authorities, such as the police or child protective services
  • Document their findings and observations
  • Provide support and care to the child and their family
  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the child receives comprehensive care

Q: How can dentists improve their knowledge and skills in detecting and preventing Child Abuse?

A: Dentists can improve their knowledge and skills in detecting and preventing Child Abuse by:

  • Participating in training and education programs
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest research and guidelines
  • Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to share best practices
  • Reporting their concerns and observations to the authorities

Q: What are the consequences of not detecting and preventing Child Abuse?

A: The consequences of not detecting and preventing Child Abuse can be severe and long-lasting, including:

  • Physical and emotional harm to the child
  • Long-term psychological trauma and mental health problems
  • Increased risk of further abuse or neglect
  • Damage to the child's self-esteem and confidence

Q: How can dentists support children who have been abused?

A: Dentists can support children who have been abused by:

  • Providing a safe and non-judgmental space for them to talk and express their feelings
  • Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
  • Reporting their concerns and observations to the authorities
  • Providing support and resources to the child and their family

Q: What are the benefits of dentists being involved in the detection and prevention of Child Abuse?

A: The benefits of dentists being involved in the detection and prevention of Child Abuse include:

  • Improved health outcomes for children
  • Increased awareness and understanding of Child Abuse among healthcare professionals
  • Enhanced collaboration and communication between healthcare professionals and child protective services
  • Better support and resources for children and their families

Q: How can dentists get involved in the detection and prevention of Child Abuse?

A: Dentists can get involved in the detection and prevention of Child Abuse by:

  • Participating in training and education programs
  • Reporting their concerns and observations to the authorities
  • Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to share best practices
  • Providing support and resources to children and their families

Q: What are the next steps for dentists who want to get involved in the detection and prevention of Child Abuse?

A: Dentists who want to get involved in the detection and prevention of Child Abuse should:

  • Contact their local child protective services or healthcare organization for more information
  • Participate in training and education programs to improve their knowledge and skills
  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to share best practices
  • Report their concerns and observations to the authorities

Note: The answers provided are general information and may not be applicable to every situation. Dentists should consult with their local child protective services or healthcare organization for specific guidance and support.