A look at physical child abuse during COVID-19: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review aims to examine the frequency, risk factors, types of abuse, as well as the early detection, prevention, and intervention roles of nurses in physical child abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, ClinicalKey/Elsevier, ScienceDirect, and Ulakbim databases between April 1 and December 31, 2021, using keywords "COVID-19, abuse, physical abuse, child, child abuse" and their Turkish equivalents. The search, limited to 2020-2021, focused on descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, and prevalence studies. Of 1817 studies initially identified, 10 were included after removing duplicates and applying eligibility criteria. Findings: Studies indicate that social isolation, economic hardships, job losses, parental psychological issues, and increased stress during the pandemic heightened the risk of physical child abuse. Behaviors such as hitting, shaking, pushing, slapping, and choking increased significantly. Reporting rates varied by country, with some showing increases and others decreases due to pandemic challenges. Conclusion: Cases of physical child abuse have increased during the pandemic, but reporting has decreased due to school closures and limited access to healthcare. Strengthening physical child abuse screening and intervention protocols by nurses in healthcare facilities, systematizing case detection, early referral, and preventive education efforts are critical to protecting children’s safety during pandemics and similar crises.