Long Term Impact of Child Abuse in University Students in Al Dakahlia Governorate

Abstract Background: A growing body of research underscores the detrimental impact of child maltreatment on a child's development. Encompassing a wide range of actions by caregivers that significantly impede optimal development and violate societal norms, child maltreatment can manifest in various forms, including neglect of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. Objectives: To investigate the long-term psychological and social sequelae associated with different types of child abuse specifically within a university student population. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, researchers conducted the study over a six-month period. Participants completed self-report questionnaires in the presence of research team members. The questionnaires were designed to assess the type of child abuse experienced, along with its long-term physical, social, and psycho-behavioral effects. Results: The study's findings revealed a compelling association between a history of child abuse and a multitude of negative long-term psycho-behavioral consequences in university students. Specifically, participants reported experiencing symptoms of generalized anxiety, low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Notably, gastrointestinal problems emerged as the primary physical health concern linked to child maltreatment. Conclusion: This investigation contributes to the existing body of knowledge by demonstrating a significant association between child abuse and a range of adverse long-term outcomes in university students. These outcomes encompass a spectrum of psycho-behavioral issues, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and PTSD, as well as physical health concerns like gastrointestinal problems. The findings underscore the critical need for further research to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying these associations and to inform the development of effective preventive and intervention strategies to mitigate the long-term consequences of child maltreatment. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT06366126 on April 10, 2024.