Abstract
BackgroundThe aims of this study are to describe the methodological challenges in recruiting a follow-up sample of children referred to an interdisciplinary hospital child protection team (CPT) and to compare participating versus non-participating groups on several demographic variables and maltreatment characteristics.MethodsOf the 319 in- and outpatients referred to the CPT at University Children's Hospital Zurich from 2005–2006 a sample of 180 children was drawn to contact for a follow-up. The children and their parents were asked to participate in a face-to-face interview at the hospital; in 42 cases the children and parents consented to do so. Alternatively, the parents could take part in a telephone interview (n = 39). Non-participation resulted because no contact or adequate communication in German, French, or English could be established (n = 49) or because the parents or children refused to participate (n = 50).ResultsParticipants and non-participants did not differ significantly in mean child age at follow-up, gender, family status, place of residence, certainty and type of maltreatment, and type of perpetrator. However, the child's nationality had a significant impact: Percentages of foreign nationals were higher in the fully participating group (45%; n = 19) and the non-contactable group (53%; n = 26) and significantly lower in the refusal (26%; n = 10) and the telephone interview group (18%; n = 9). Although a high percentage of families had moved in the few years since the CPT intervention (32%; n = 57), the percentage of moves was not significantly higher in non-participants compared to participants.ConclusionsFurther research is needed to support these results in different national backgrounds and to test for biases in variables not included – especially socioeconomic status. This includes gathering more detailed information on non-participants, while respecting ethical boundaries. Overall, the fact that only child's nationality was unevenly distributed between participants and non-participants is encouraging.
Highlights
The aims of this study are to describe the methodological challenges in recruiting a follow-up sample of children referred to an interdisciplinary hospital child protection team (CPT) and to compare participating versus non-participating groups on several demographic variables and maltreatment characteristics
In many countries, multidisciplinary team approaches to the diagnosis and treatment management of child maltreatment have been established and are commonly used
Sample In the years 2005 and 2006 the CPT at University Children’s Hospital Zurich visited 319 children as in- or outpatients; 139 children were excluded from the sample for different reasons such as Munchausen Syndrome by proxy (MSBP), or because the maltreatment had been disproved, the child was over the age of 16.5 years at the time of the follow-up contact
Summary
The aims of this study are to describe the methodological challenges in recruiting a follow-up sample of children referred to an interdisciplinary hospital child protection team (CPT) and to compare participating versus non-participating groups on several demographic variables and maltreatment characteristics. Ammerman [8] addressed the lack of empirical data on participation in maltreatment research and discussed major challenges in subject recruitment and retention: Parents are likely to decline participation in research on child protection, because the studies often ask intrusive questions and deal with sensitive and private family matters. Parents may fear – subjectively reasoned or not – that there will be an intervention, an invasion of privacy This may be especially true for families who have already had contact with a CPT. Empirical data regarding these participation barriers in maltreatment research are still lacking today
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