One in Six Children and Adolescents in South Ethiopia Had Childhood trauma

Abstract Background: Trauma in childhood is a serious experience that can affect the physical, psychological, and social development of the child and adolescent and has immense long-term effects on the child, and society. However, the condition is overlooked by parents, teachers, medical professionals, mental health practitioners, and researchers. Hence this study aimed to assess childhood trauma and its associated factors among children and Adolescents aged 5–14 years old at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, South Ethiopia, in 2022. Method: From 22 September to 22 November, 2022, a hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted, at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. About 423 study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Childhood trauma was screening using the Child trauma screening questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression analysis methods. The strength as well as presence of association was presented using odds ratio and 95% CI with a corresponding p-value < 0.05. Result: The magnitude of childhood trauma among children and Adolescents aged 5–14 was17.5%. Large family size (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.07, 3.13), educational level of parents (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI: 2.18, 9.00), and children and adolescent emotional problems (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.20) were significantly associated with childhood trauma Conclusion and Recommendation: Approximately one in six children and adolescents had experienced childhood trauma. Large family size, educational level of parents, and emotional problems of children and adolescents were factors associated with childhood trauma. Therefore, a holistic preventive approach and early detection and management are important to halt the short and long-term impact of childhood trauma.