Abstract
BackgroundParent-to-child maltreatment is considered one of the risk factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms, but this hypothesis has not been adequately tested in Pakistani settings.AimThis study aimed to examine the association between parent-to-child maltreatment and the risk of developing GAD symptoms among adolescents.MethodsThe association of none to rare, occasionally, and frequently parent-to-child maltreatment with the incidence of GAD symptoms was investigated in a sample of 800 adolescents aged 11–17 years who were followed for two years. Parent-to-child maltreatment was assessed using ICAST-C (International child abuse screening tool). GAD Symptoms were determined by SCARED (Screen for children anxiety-related disorders). Cox Proportional Algorithm was used to estimate risk ratios.ResultsAmong children with both uneducated parents, frequently maltreatment was associated with 7.31 (2.20–24.04) times the risk of GAD symptoms compared to none to rare maltreatment. In contrast, the risk of GAD symptoms in frequently maltreated children was 5.58 times (1.40–21.97) than negligibly maltreated children with either educated parent.ConclusionThe frequency of parent-to-child maltreatment is significantly associated with an increased risk of developing GAD symptoms in which parental education plays a crucial role. Parents should be imparted with the awareness of the consequences of child maltreatment. In Pakistani settings the need to have this awareness is even more necessary due to the culturally acceptable disciplinary measures used by parents.
Highlights
Mental health disorders constitute 16% of the global burden of disease and injury in adolescents [1]
The frequency of parent-to-child maltreatment is significantly associated with an increased risk of developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms in which parental education plays a crucial role
In Pakistani settings the need to have this awareness is even more necessary due to the culturally acceptable disciplinary measures used by parents
Summary
Mental health disorders constitute 16% of the global burden of disease and injury in adolescents [1]. Individuals in the adolescent phase are emotionally, physically, socially, and mentally vulnerable as it is a crucial phase due to the initiation of transition from childhood to Lakhdir et al Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health (2021) 15:36 adulthood. This vulnerability leads to the development of many mental illnesses that might persist into adulthood, affecting an individual’s overall health-related quality of life [3]. The most common mental illnesses encountered by adolescents include anxiety disorders (mainly generalized anxiety disorder-GAD), depression, and eating disorders [4]. Parent-to-child maltreatment is considered one of the risk factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms, but this hypothesis has not been adequately tested in Pakistani settings
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
