 News
15th March 2006
Small babies at higher risk of abuse
New research suggests that small or premature babies are
more likely to be neglected or abused.
A study from the University of Warwick based its findings on almost 120,000
children born between 1983 and 2001 who were placed on the child protection
register.
The study showed that whatever the type of abuse, lower birth weight
children and those with a shorter gestational age were more likely to
be placed on the register, even after adjusting for levels of deprivation
and age of the mother at birth - both of which are known to influence
the length of pregnancy and a baby's birth weight.
The researchers suggested a number of possible reasons why the two could
be linked but speculated smaller children might provoke greater parental
hostility.
They say that pre-term infants, or those with poor foetal growth, may
have characteristics that make them more vulnerable to abuse.
Premature births and low birth weight are both linked to an increased
risk of health and behavioural problems.
lead researcher Professor Nick Spencer, said it might be that this makes
them less easy to manage, or less responsive.
"It is possible that such infants may be more likely to provoke hostile
parental feelings.
"Early separation, more commonly experienced by pre-term and small for
gestational age infants, may interfere with parent-infant bonding, although
this is unlikely to be an important factor except at the extremes."
However, they also suggested that mothers who are more likely to abuse
their children are also more likely to carry a child to term.
"Strategies and interventions aimed at preventing child abuse need to
take account of the association with poor foetal growth and short gestational
duration."
Diana Sutton, of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children, said, "This research makes an important contribution to our
understanding of why some children are at increased risk of abuse.
"It is deeply sad that children already particularly vulnerable through
low birth rate and premature birth could face abuse too.
"Although the authors make clear that further research is needed into
this area, health professionals should be aware of this study and its
implications for preventing child abuse.
"It is important that effective support is given to families who are
affected in this way."
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