Protective role of breastfeeding status, chronic health problems, and temperament of children in maltreatment by mothers

OBJECTIVE: In order to reduce parental violence against children, it is necessary to establish risk factors associated with maltreatment of children in different societies. This study aims to evaluate the impact of mother-child characteristics on self-reported mother’s maltreatment (physical or emotional abuse) against pre-school children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The general characteristics of mother-infant pairs and maternal knowledge and attitudes about violence were taken using a questionnaire at routine child health supervision. Overall, 244 mother-infant pairs were enrolled and mothers described their child as easy-going (27.0%), normal (61.1%), and naughty (11.9%). RESULTS: Of all mothers, 32.8% had been exposed to violence in their childhood. According to maternal self-reports, 82.4% of the mothers abused their children emotionally and 24.6% physically. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that older child age, naughty or normal defined child, maternal exposure to violence during her childhood period were identified as predictors. Older child age, breastfeeding for less than 6 months, and naughty-defined child were associated with elevated odds ratio of physical abuse; however, those with a chronic disease were less likely to be abused. CONCLUSION: Pediatricians should be aware of the fact that older preschool children, being breastfed for less than 6 months, and naughty children could be at risk for victimization.