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Traumatic head injury due to child maltreatment: epidemiology, cost analysis, and impact of prevention

Child's Nervous System volume 38, pages 2281–2287 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Traumatic head injury due to child maltreatment (THI-CM), also known as abusive head trauma (AHT), is a significant public health problem due to the wide array of consequences affecting multiple domains of a child’s health and development. Several studies have evaluated its cost on healthcare systems, families, and societies. Many jurisdictions have implemented caregiver education programs to prevent THI-CM.

Objectives

This paper aims to provide a brief overview of the epidemiology and cost analysis of THI-CM and discuss its prevention and the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment.

Methods

Although not systematic, a literature search of original articles published from 2000 to 2022 in English and French was undertaken using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), and PsycINFO (OVID). The search combined terms related to traumatic head injury and child maltreatment, with terms related to its cost and prevention. Studies of children aged 0–5 years old were included. The authors completed a screen of the titles and abstracts to determine relevance with respect to this article.

Results

Globally, although THI-CM accounts for a small proportion of cases of child maltreatment, there is a high incidence of death and neurological sequelae compared to other causes of head trauma.The incidence of THI-CM is likely underestimated due to the lack of standardized definitions, differences in reporting, and challenges in identifying less severe cases. Cost analysis studies reveal the significant short- and long-term costs associated with THI-CM. Caregiver education programs have been studied and implemented in many centers and have shown varying but promising results.

Conclusion

A multi-pronged approach to prevention efforts should be considered to support families and help to prevent THI-CM and maltreatment throughout childhood.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada

    Hina F. Raza, Étienne Archambault, Karine Pépin, Amanda Lord & Jean-Yves Frappier

  2. Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, 3175 Chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada

    Hina F. Raza, Étienne Archambault, Karine Pépin, Amanda Lord & Jean-Yves Frappier

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  1. Hina F. Raza
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  2. Étienne Archambault
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Contributions

Literature search and review: Hina F. Raza, Étienne Archambault and Jean-Yves Frappier. Drafting of the manuscript: Hina F. Raza, Étienne Archambault, and Jean-Yves Frappier. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Hina F. Raza, Étienne Archambault, Karine Pépin, Amanda Lord, and Jean-Yves Frappier. Final approval of the manuscript to be published: Hina F. Raza, Étienne Archambault, Karine Pépin, Amanda Lord, and Jean-Yves Frappier. Jean-Yves Frappier is the senior author.

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Correspondence to Hina F. Raza.

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Raza, H.F., Archambault, É., Pépin, K. et al. Traumatic head injury due to child maltreatment: epidemiology, cost analysis, and impact of prevention. Childs Nerv Syst 38, 2281–2287 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-022-05560-1

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