Child maltreatment prevention readiness in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

Majid Al Eissa*, Hassan N. Saleheen, Maha Almuneef, Muna Al Saadoon, Mona Alkhawari, Aisha Almidfa, Fadheela Almahroos

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Child maltreatment (CM) is a global public health problem that has received growing attention over the past five decades. There have been many recent advances in child maltreatment prevention (CMP). The objective of this study is to assess CMP readiness to implement large-scale evidence-based CMP programs in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Methods: This cross-sectional study (n = 244) was conducted in the GCC countries. Participants were key decision makers and senior managers in the field of CM. The Readiness Assessment for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (RAP-CM) was used to assess 10 dimensions of CMP readiness. Results: The key informants gave CMP readiness scores of 47.8 out of 100. Four of the dimensions (knowledge of CMP; legislation, mandates, and policies; institutional resources and links; and informal social resources) had high readiness scores (≥5), while six dimensions (attitudes towards CMP; scientific data on CMP; current program implementation and evaluation; will to address the problem; material resources; and human and technical resources) had low readiness scores (<5). Conclusion: GCC countries have moderate-to-fair readiness to implement large-scale evidence-based CMP programs. Strengthening their material, human, and technical resources, and improving the quality of scientific data, collaboration, and attitudes towards CMP are required to improve each country's readiness.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)92-100
Number of pages9
JournalInternational Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Volume6
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2019

Keywords

  • Child maltreatment
  • Cross-sectional
  • GCC
  • RAP-CM
  • WHO

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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