Social problems: high frequency, low training

Abstract

Introduction: pediatric social pathology in relation to socioeconomic inequities, dysfunctional family relationships, immigration, addictions, violence towards children, etc., is increasing. The aim of this pa-per is to analyze the importance of this pathology in the pediatrician’s healthcare work, the description of training and knowledge in this field, and the reasons that hinder their involvement in these issues. Methodology: multicenter study by means of an online survey completed by 407 medical professionals. Eleven problems were analyzed in relation to the family and school environment, poverty, immigration, addictions and violence. Results: problems in the family or school environment were reported as frequent o highly frequent by about 50% of the professionals; problems related to immigration, bullying and poverty, by 20-30%; and problems related to violence or addictions, by less than 10%. However, the percentages of training received (and knowledge) were very low in all topics (the highest training is seen in gender violence and abuse). The results are broken down according to professional field of work (hospital or primary care), setting (urban or rural) and age. The greatest difficulty cited by professionals in tackling these problems is precisely the lack of training. Conclusions: childhood social pathology is very present in the daily work of pediatricians. For this reason, adequate and updated training in this matter is required to detect and treat this pathology like other childhood problems. Improvement actions are proposed.