An Evaluation of the Knowledge Level of Nurses and Midwives Working in Family Health Centers about Child Abuse and Neglect

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to determine the level of knowledge and awareness of nurses and midwives, who have an important role in the diagnosis and prevention of child abuse and neglect. 
Material and Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted in 51 family health centers located in the central district of Antakya and Defne in Hatay province between 2017-2018. In data collection, a introductory information form consisting of 20 questions determining the sociodemographic characteristics of nurses and midwives, and a " Diagnosis Scale of the Risk and Symptoms of Child Abuse and Neglect" consisting of 67 questions were used. 
Results: The results showed that 27.6% of the midwives and nurses who encountered cases did not report them Average scale scores showed that nurses’ and midwives’ scale mean scores were affected by the variables such as encountering cases of child neglect and child abuse throughout their professional life, recognizing child neglect-abuse, and being knowledgeable about the law (p