Recession May Increase Child Abuse
PHILADELPHIA (CBS)- It may be a sad carry over from the recession we are facing but, according to several studies, head trauma has increased by about 8 percent in children younger than five since December 2007.
The study couldn't show that the recession caused the rise in head trauma cases, but this adds to previous research which links an increase in child abuse during times of economic instability. It makes sense that there is a link when you consider the impact of additional stress, feelings of worthlessness and anger.
So, what do we do with this information? Researchers said this finding should prompt physicians to take a closer look at physical trauma during hard economic times. I say that physicians need to look at the information and start asking even more questions about abuse and let parents and children know there is someone to talk to.
I think we don't need to wait for a study result to be proactive.
Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor
