Work

Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Psychological Aggression Toward Children in Bangladesh Based on Nationally Representative Data

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: Psychological aggression in early childhood negatively affects development and is increasingly recognised as a public health concern in countries including Bangladesh. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and identify associated risk factors among children in Bangladesh. METHODS: A total of 19 784 data from the 2019 Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) was used to conduct a cross-sectional study of children aged 5-14. The study examined relationships between sociodemographic factors and psychological aggression toward children through both bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Among children aged 5-9, about nine out of 10 experienced psychological aggression, and parents' belief in this behaviour was the strongest associated factor. Child and family characteristics such as age, region, education, ethnicity, income, functional difficulties, presence of younger siblings, and child engagement in income activities were significantly associated with psychological aggression. Older children, non-Bengali families, and income-earning children had a lower risk, while parental belief in aggression was the strongest predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all children in Bangladesh experience any form of psychological aggression, primarily influenced by parental beliefs. Sociodemographic factors including parental education, child functional status, and household composition also play a role. Targeted interventions promoting non-violent and positive parenting are essential to protect children's psychological well-being.

Source: Acta Paediatrica

DOI: 10.1111/apa.70406

Authors: Md. Shariful Islam, Md. Nazrul Islam Mondal, Moynul Haque, Shela Parvin, Md. Eakub Ali

Institution: University of Rajshahi

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: UNICEF