Parental Child Neglect: Prevalence and Social Problems Associated with Neglected Children in Selected Secondary Schools of Mufulira District, Zambia

Abstract

This paper sought to determine the prevalence of parental child neglect and assess social problems associated with neglected children. The sample comprised 200 randomly selected pupils from two secondary schools of Mufulira District in Zambia. The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design. The sample was administered with the Multidimensional neglectful behavioural scale (MNBS) to determine the prevalence of child neglect, while the personal relationships profile (PRP) test was used to document social problems associated with the identified group of neglected children. The results show that the prevalence of the overall child neglect proportion was 25% percent. Three prominent types of neglect identified were: cognitive neglect, supervision and emotional neglect. They correlated with criminal tendencies, antisocial personality behaviour and diminished social integration except physical neglect. In conclusion, the results revealed that prevalence of parental child neglect is quite high in Zambia and the neglected children are associated with social problems.