Purpose or Case Report: To assess the awareness and knowledge of Radiologists, Pediatricians, Orthopedists and Emergency Physicians regarding child abuse incidence, imaging, and management in Sudan, Africa.
Methods & Materials: A descriptive cross-sectional survey study was performed. A 16-question paper and electronic survey were distributed to currently practicing resident and faculty Radiologists, Pediatricians, Orthopedists and Emergency Physicians in Sudan, Africa. 4 cases with radiographs were submitted as part of the survey to assess participants’ knowledge regarding physical abuse findings. Answers were reported and statistical analysis comparing different specialties was performed using chi-square test.
Results: A total number of 400 physicians completed the survey, including 364 residents and 36 faculty physicians. 16.8% of physicians indicated there were no cases of child abuse in Sudan, Africa. 88.3% of physicians reported having seen at least 1 case, but less than 5 cases of physical abuse in their career. 46% of physicians indicated that they are not aware of existing child protection units in Sudan and 50.5 % admitted that they do not know how to contact child protection units. 77% of physicians reported that they have not received training regarding the identification of child abuse, and 53.8% indicated that there is no standard imaging protocol to evaluate cases of suspected physical abuse at their institution. 99% of the physicians who took the survey indicated that a training workshop would be helpful.
Conclusions: There is a gap in awareness and thus training of physicians regarding detection, evaluation, and management of child abuse in Sudan, Africa. While more research is needed to identify the causes and extent of the problem, there is an urgent need for educating physicians at different levels of training across different specialties regarding identification, imaging, and management of child abuse.