An examination of the characteristics of mothers neglecting their children.

BACKGROUND: This study is aimed to recognize families who have neglected their children in the early period, to raise awareness among experts especially pediatricians-working in this field about the reasons contributing to the neglect. METHODS: For this purpose, data were collected by quantitative and qualitative methods. The mothers of 32 neglected children and 30 children who were not neglected were included in to the study. Sociodemographic Information Form, Neglect Assessment Tool, Close Relationships Inventory, Perceived Social Support Scale, Marital Adjustment Scale, Childhood Trauma Survey Scale, Semi Structured Interview Form, SCID I and SCID II were used as data collection tools. T-test, ANOVA, Chi-square test, Kruskal Wallis, Pearson Correlation test were used for quantitative analysis and descriptive analysis method was used in the analysis of qualitative data. RESULTS: In the quantitative findings obtained; mothers of neglected children and control group mothers differed in terms of their age, income perceptions, multidimensional perceived social support, marital adjustment, physical and emotional abuse subscales on the scale of childhood abuse, adult attachment patterns, however; it was found that there was no difference in terms of mental illness and personality disorder, and scores on sexual abuse subscale of child abuse. Qualitative results demonstrated that most of the mothers did not consider themselves adequate for parenting, were not satisfied with their parenting role, had insufficient emotional investment in their children and could not balance their roles. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the mothers of neglected children had problems in the areas of social support, marital adjustment, adult attachment patterns and they were also exposed to physical and emotional abuse during their own childhood and these problems negatively affected the quality of their childcare. For this reason, it is important to provide support to neglectful families and family interventions should be established.

Establishment of interdisciplinary child protection teams in Turkey 2002-2006: identifying the strongest link can make a difference!

OBJECTIVES: The University of Iowa Child Protection Program collaborated with Turkish professionals to develop a training program on child abuse and neglect during 2002-2006 with the goals of increasing professional awareness and number of multidisciplinary teams (MDT), regional collaborations, and assessed cases. This paper summarizes the 5-year outcome. METHODS: A team of instructors evaluated needs and held training activities in Turkey annually, and provided consultation when needed. Descriptive analysis was done via Excel and SPSS software. RESULTS: Eighteen training activities were held with 3,570 attendees. Over the study period, the number of MDTs increased from 4 to 14. The MDTs got involved in organizing training activities in their institutions and communities. The number of medical curriculum lectures taught by MDTs to medical students/residents, conferences organized by the MDTs, and lectures to non-medical professional audiences increased significantly (R(2)=91.4%, 83.8%, and 69.2%, respectively). The number of abuse cases assessed by the MDTs increased by five times compared to pre-training period. CONCLUSIONS: A culturally competent training program had a positive impact on professional attitudes and behaviors toward recognition and management of child abuse and neglect in Turkey. The need to partner with policy makers to revise current law in favor of a greater human services orientation became clear. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Pioneers in developing countries may benefit from collaborating with culturally competent instructors from countries with more developed child protection systems to develop training programs so that professional development can improve recognition and management of child abuse and neglect.

Atopic features in early childhood autism.

BACKGROUND: Autism is a developmental disorder of unknown etiology. Sensitivity to dietary and environmental antigens has been considered in its pathogenesis. AIM: To examine immediate hypersensitivity in early childhood autism. METHODS: We investigated 30 autistic children (23 boys, seven girls 2-4 years old) for atopic history, serum IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE levels, and skin prick tests (SPT) with 12 common antigens. RESULTS: Nine/30 autistic children (30%) and 1/39 (2.5%) age-matched neurological controls from the same hospital had a family history suggestive of atopy (p<0.005). No patient in the autism and 28% in control group had symptoms of respiratory allergy (wheezing or asthma) (p<0.005), and 6/30 (20%) autistic vs. 7/39 (17%) control children had history suggesting other allergic disorders (p=ns). Eleven/23 (47.8%) autistic children had at least one positive skin test, similar to age-matched population controls. Serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were within age-appropriate limits. Serum IgE was elevated in four patients (13.3%). Specific IgE levels were negative in four cases with multiple SPT positivity. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests allergic features based on history, skin tests, and serum IgE levels are not frequent in young autistic children despite family history. This discrepancy between predisposition and manifestation might imply immunological factors or environmental conditions.