Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking in the Medical Setting: A Survey of the Knowledge, Discomfort, and Training of Pediatric Attending Physicians

Abstract

ABSTRACTDomestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is a severe manifestation of sexual abuse and a major domestic health issue. The adverse health consequences of DMST bring victims into contact with health institutions and medical providers frequently, providing the opportunity for identification and intervention. Youth at risk or involved in DMST, however, are difficult to identify and often go unrecognized during health care visits. Little is known about the knowledge, comfort, and training gaps of physicians in identifying and managing patient victims of DMST. Our objectives were to assess (1) reported training and experiences; (2) perceived knowledge, comfort, and barriers; and (3) performance on medical decision-making questions regarding the identification, screening, and management of DMST in a population of pediatric attending physicians. An anonymous electronic survey was sent to pediatricians in Rhode Island from November 2014 through January 2015. Voluntary participants were 109 Rhode Island general pediatric and pediatric subspecialist physicians. Overall, participants perceived having limited knowledge, comfort, and training and reported barriers that corresponded with inaccurate answers on medical decision-making questions. These findings identify the impediments and obstacles to the care of DMST patients and inform the need for standardized education and training for pediatricians on this issue.