Abstract:
Child abuse and neglect is increasing significantly in the word and our country. This study aimed to determine the awareness on child abuse and neglect among university students who are health professional candidates. The study was conducted at XXX University, Health Sciences Faculty between October - December 2018 after the consent of the ethics committee and the institution had been obtained. The sample comprised of 1244 students who agreed to participate and were still studying during the research. Data were collected using a scale designed to identify symptoms and risks of child abuse and neglect obtain via an information form. Statistical analyses of the results acquired from the study were made using SPSS for Windows 16.0 program. Majority of the participants were female and single and were between 18-24 years of age.. The mean score of the scale was 3.57±0.32. The mean score of the scale for the participants’ knowledge level about the symptoms and risks of child abuse and neglect changed depending on their departments, and it was between 3.46±0.32 and 3.63±0.30. The students enrolled in the Social Services Department had the highest mean score, while those enrolled in the Ergotherapy Department had the lowest. It is thought that students’ awareness can be increased by including the subjects related to child neglect and abuse in the content of the course during their education.

Keywords: Students; child; negligence; physical abuse

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