Publication:

Knowledge, attitude and awareness regarding the protection of children from sexual offences act among medical and paramedical personnel: a cross-sectional questionnaire study

Background The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 mandates reporting of child sexual abuse and places important legal responsibilities on healthcare professionals. Adequate knowledge and awareness of the Act are essential for effective implementation and child protection. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and awareness regarding the POCSO Act among medical and paramedical personnel.

Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 408 participants, including undergraduate students, postgraduate trainees, doctors, and allied healthcare professionals. A structured 20-item questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude, and awareness regarding the POCSO Act was administered electronically. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results Participants demonstrated moderate levels of knowledge and awareness regarding the POCSO Act. The mean knowledge score was 6.25±1.68, the mean attitude score was 3.03±1.01, and the mean awareness score was 5.28±1.42. Significant differences in knowledge scores were observed among professional categories (p=0.003), whereas attitude and awareness scores did not differ significantly. Deficiencies were noted in specific legal provisions, reporting obligations, and procedural aspects of the Act.

Conclusions Medical and paramedical personnel demonstrated moderate knowledge and awareness and generally positive attitudes towards the POCSO Act. Structured medico-legal training, continuing medical education programmes, and integration of child protection laws into healthcare curricula are necessary to strengthen compliance with reporting obligations and improve management of child sexual abuse cases.