Table 1 Characteristics of included studies

Afifi [27]

2003

Egypt

Cross-sectional

Preparatory and secondary school students from a rural community, selected by random cluster sampling

To identify the prevalence and underlying risk factors of child maltreatment

555

12–18 years; mean age 15.6 ±1.5 years

63/37

General physical examination by physician, specifically including signs of previous or recent physical abuse

Self-report of the child in combination with positive signs upon physical examination

Palazzi [28]

2005

Italy

Cross-sectional

All children 0–14 years presenting in 19 emergency departments

To identify the prevalence and associated risk factors of suspected child maltreatment

10,175

0–14 years; mean age 4.8 ±3.9 years

57/43

Complete physical examination whenever possible, especially in younger children

Six-point suspicion index for child maltreatment attributed by an expert panel of a local child health team in collaboration with research assistants, based on routine assessments

Rosenberg [29]

1982

USA

Prospective, 1-year follow-up

A randomly enrolled sample of children 0–2 years visiting an emergency department

To prospectively evaluate a brief screening assessment for child maltreatment

476

0–2 years

55/45

Caregiver undresses child, assessment by nurse for being unkempt, having a bald occiput, and the presence of physical bruises, burns or bites

Registered as maltreated at the CPSⁱ (the Department of Social Services) at 1-year follow-up