Knowledge, attitude and awareness regarding the protection of children from sexual offences act among medical and paramedical personnel: a cross-sectional questionnaire study

Dhivagar K.; Arjun G.; Vidya M.; Aditya Kidiyoor; Satwik Chatterjee

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263610

Authors

Dhivagar K. Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Tagore Medical College and Hospital, Rathinamangalam, Melakottaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Arjun G. Department of Pharmacology, Tagore Medical College and Hospital, Rathinamangalam, Melakottaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Vidya M. Department of Oral Pathology, Tagore Dental College and Hospital, Rathinamangalam, Melakottaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Aditya Kidiyoor Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, The Oxford Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Attibele, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Satwik Chatterjee Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263610

Keywords:

Child sexual abuse, Healthcare professionals, Legal awareness, Medico-legal education, Child protection, POCSO Act

Abstract

Background: The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 mandates reporting of child sexual abuse and places important legal responsibilities on healthcare professionals. Adequate knowledge and awareness of the Act are essential for effective implementation and child protection. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and awareness regarding the POCSO Act among medical and paramedical personnel.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 408 participants, including undergraduate students, postgraduate trainees, doctors, and allied healthcare professionals. A structured 20-item questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude, and awareness regarding the POCSO Act was administered electronically. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results: Participants demonstrated moderate levels of knowledge and awareness regarding the POCSO Act. The mean knowledge score was 6.25±1.68, the mean attitude score was 3.03±1.01, and the mean awareness score was 5.28±1.42. Significant differences in knowledge scores were observed among professional categories (p=0.003), whereas attitude and awareness scores did not differ significantly. Deficiencies were noted in specific legal provisions, reporting obligations, and procedural aspects of the Act.

Conclusions: Medical and paramedical personnel demonstrated moderate knowledge and awareness and generally positive attitudes towards the POCSO Act. Structured medico-legal training, continuing medical education programmes, and integration of child protection laws into healthcare curricula are necessary to strengthen compliance with reporting obligations and improve management of child sexual abuse cases.

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