Abstract:
A matched analysis identified several risk factors which had a statistically significant
relationship with emotional abuse. Findings of the study show that the indicators of close
contact of the mother with the child i.e. limited time spent by the mother with children, lack
of interest by the caregivers to participate at the interview on the first request and the mother
not living with the child were identified as important risk factors contributing to emotional
abuse. This association was demonstrated in the descriptive study too. In addition,
preferential treatment of male children, domestic violence in the family were significantly
associated with the occurrence of emotional abuse. Logistics regression after controlling for
the effects of confounding indicated that domestic violence, lack of interest in the caregivers
to participate at the interview and male preference were significantly associated as risk
factors for emotional abuse. The association of emotional abuse with negative outcomes like
poor school performance and poor school attendance indicates the need to develop activities
to minimize the occurrence of emotional abuse and its negative sequels. The focus of such
programmes should be parents of young children, future parents and would be parents
specially the mother
