Child maltreatment and management of pediatric patients during COVID-19 pandemic: Knowledge, awareness, and attitudes among students of medicine and surgery. A survey-based analysis

Abstract

Purpose of the studyTo assess perception, awareness, and attitudes regarding the medico-legal relevance of child maltreatment and management of pediatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cohort of medicine and surgery students, with a particular focus on child safety and maltreatment.MethodsA cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted through an anonymous questionnaire on the personal websites of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore medical students.ResultsThe study included 1,166 participants, the majority of whom were experienced with child maltreatment and defensive medicine; only a small percentage was aware of the government's efforts to prevent child maltreatment and safeguard vaccination physicians. Moreover, there was no agreement on the use of telemedicine for non-serious pediatric patients or on the consequences it might have on their health. Finally, the detrimental impacts of lockdown on children's mental health are a major worry.ConclusionsKnowledge of these themes is mainly implemented by deepening these concepts during the undergraduate studies since a high level of knowledge on child maltreatment and on the management of COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with clinical years of course. Specific seminars analyzing telemedicine and legislative protections concerning minors and those concerning vaccination doctors should be included in the study plan to raise awareness these concepts.

The Silver Lining of Posttraumatic Growth around the Dark Side of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A School-Based Intervention with Mindfulness and Character Strengths Practices among Children

“…Beyond involving social workers and school psychologists in school-based MBSP interventions, we further encourage studies that examine mindfulness and strengths use in the field of school psychology. This is essential, particularly given the vulnerable nature of the child population during humanitarian crises such as pandemics [44] and the potentially lasting impact of school-based interventions.…”

Medical Residents’ Behaviours toward Compulsory COVID-19 Vaccination in a Tertiary Hospital in Italy

“…However, it should be specified that being vaccinated after the compulsory policy for the primary cycle was a predictor of receiving the booster vaccination dose after the compulsory policy for it became effective. This might suggest a hesitancy to vaccinate on the part of this section of HCWs, which could be due on the one hand to a concern about the cost and safety of vaccines and on the other hand to a lack of adequate information from the government regarding vaccination policies [ 35 , 36 ].…”