Prevalence and determinants of child maltreatment among high school students in Southern China: A large scale school based survey
2008

Child Maltreatment Among High School Students in Southern China

Sample size: 6592 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Leung Phil WS, Wong William CW, Chen WQ, Tang Catherine SK

Primary Institution: Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence and what are the determinants of child maltreatment among high school students in Southern China?

Conclusion

Child maltreatment is a common issue in China, with significant determinants identified that can help target at-risk children.

Supporting Evidence

  • 78.3% of students experienced psychological aggression from parents.
  • 23.2% reported corporal punishment.
  • 15.1% reported severe physical maltreatment.
  • 2.8% reported very severe physical maltreatment.
  • 0.6% reported sexual abuse.

Takeaway

Many kids in Southern China experience bad treatment from their parents, and this study helps us understand why it happens.

Methodology

A school-based survey using stratified random sampling was conducted in 24 high schools, with students completing a self-administered questionnaire.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported data and the cultural stigma surrounding child maltreatment.

Limitations

The study only included high school students, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

{"mean_age":14.68,"gender_distribution":{"male":3277,"female":3285},"place_of_origin":{"Guangdong":5193,"Non-Guangdong":877},"housing_type":{"own_house":5161,"rented_house":936,"institution_hostel":376},"father_education":{"primary_or_below":357,"lower_secondary":1953,"senior_secondary":2807,"tertiary_or_above":1340},"mother_education":{"primary_or_below":697,"lower_secondary":2189,"senior_secondary":2461,"tertiary_or_above":1132}}

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

{"physical_maltreatment":"95%CI 1.35–1.69","sexual_abuse":"95%CI 1.37–5.88"}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1753-2000-2-27

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