Author: Shaju V. M. & Dr. Arti
Abstract: Background: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a grave violation of children’s rights and a persistent public health challenge in India. Medical professionals are mandated under Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 to report suspected abuse, positioning them as critical links in the child protection chain. Objectives: To assess knowledge of POCSO Act provisions and attitudes toward CSA prevention among medical practitioners in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 medical doctors (MBBS and MD) using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire with four sections: demographics, a 12-item POCSO knowledge MCQ (max score: 12), attitude assessment, and information source identification. Chi-square tests were used for association analysis (p < 0.05). Results: Mean knowledge score was 9.3/12 (77.5%). High awareness was recorded for offences covered (90.7%), punishability (90.0%), legal age (87.0%), and mandatory reporting (85.7%). Critical gaps existed in knowledge of the 2019 POCSO amendment (34.0%), age-based punishment variations (43.3%), and Special Court procedures (69.3%). MD holders outperformed MBBS graduates (81.7% vs. 75.0%). Only 21.3% cited academic institutions as the primary information source; 65% relied on media. Community awareness (34.0%) was the most preferred prevention approach. Conclusion: While foundational knowledge is generally satisfactory, significant gaps persist in advanced legislative provisions. Urgent curriculum reforms, structured continuing medical education, and institutional protocols are required to enhance POCSO compliance and improve child protection outcomes in Kerala.
