Physical Abuse - Physicians Knowledge and Reporting Attitude in Israel

The objective of this study was to assess knowledge and attitudes towards physical child abuse among pediatricians and family physicians in northern Israel. Methods: An interview consisting of multiple choice questions and vignettes were employed. A stratified sample of 107 physicians from hospitals and community clinics and of different disciplines and educational cultural backgrounds was surveyed. Results: Child abuse diagnosis was considered infrequently or not at all by 43% of the participants and a proportion of them were hesitant in their reporting intentions. A low consistency in the approach to diagnosis and management was found. Medical discipline, sex and age of the physician as well as level of knowledge and the family's socioeconomic status were not significantly related to reporting behaviors. A significant effect of medical training/cultural background (p = 0.01) and medical discipline (p = 0.04) on knowledge of child abuse were found. No relationship between knowledge and reporting behaviour was found. Conclusion: The results of this study are a reason for concern. A more active role of medical schools and health administrations in abuse-oriented education and training effort is required, particularly in societies in transition.