A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has uncovered significant racial disparities in the identification and treatment of suspected child abuse (SCA) among pediatric patients admitted for traumatic injuries. The research, which analyzed data from over 654,000 pediatric patients, reveals that Black children face disproportionately higher odds of being suspected of experiencing abuse.
The study found that Black patients had 75% greater odds of being categorized with SCA compared to White patients, even after controlling for factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, insurance, and injury severity. Hispanic patients also faced 11% greater odds of SCA categorization.
Patients in the SCA group were significantly younger, with a mean age of 1.7 years compared to 9.7 years in the non-SCA group. They also came from families with lower socioeconomic status and had higher injury severity scores and mortality rates.
Interestingly, in the non-SCA group, Black patients had 18% higher odds of mortality compared to White patients, despite having lower injury severity scores. This finding highlights the complex interplay between race, healthcare outcomes, and potential biases in medical decision-making.
The study’s authors emphasize the need for equitable and evidence-based methods to identify maltreated children. They suggest implementing standard protocols for screening and assessment to mitigate bias and improve identification of abuse across all racial and ethnic groups.
These findings underscore the importance of addressing racial disparities in healthcare and child welfare systems. By enhancing education, practicing cultural humility, and utilizing clinical decision support tools, healthcare professionals can work towards more equitable care and accurate identification of child abuse across all communities.
See “Unmasking Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Child Physical Abuse Identification” (December 18, 2024)
