What happens next: The lingering effects of child abuse in a Mexican cohort.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the lingering effects of child abuse may improve healthcare pathways with preventive and supportive strategies. OBJECTIVE: To compare adverse outcomes between survivors of child abuse and non-exposed subjects. DESIGN AND SETTING: This is a cohort study conducted at the Pediatric Emergency Department of the Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico. METHODS: This cohort study of Mexicans compared adverse outcomes between survivors of child abuse and non-exposed individuals from 2011 to 2018. Additionally, we contacted survivors in 2020 to collect additional data, including sociodemographic and study variable-related information. RESULTS: This study included 300 survivors of child abuse, paired by age with 300 non-exposed subjects. Neglect and sexual abuse were the most frequent types of abuse. Among the survivors, there was a higher risk of hyperactivity with attention deficit [Relative Risk (RR) = 4.65(2.06-10.51); P = 0.0001], drug abuse [RR = 3.09(1.25-7.63); P = 0.0001], mood disorders [RR = 2.97(1.81-4.86); P = 0.0001], tobacco use [RR = 2.79(1.60-4.88); P = 0.0001], and engagement with substance abuse and sexual intercourse at a younger age. Non-exposed subjects had a higher level of education [RR = 0.65(0.49-0.87); P = 0.0001] and were more engaged in sports [RR = 0.31(0.18-0.52); P = 0.0001]. CONCLUSION: Survivors of child abuse are at risk for psychological problems and substance abuse. Increasing sports engagement and school attendance may protect against adverse outcomes.