Child maltreatment, cognitive functions and the mediating role of mental health problems among maltreated children and adolescents in Uganda

Abstract Background Child maltreatment poses high risks to the mental health and cognitive functioning of children not only in childhood but also later life. However, it remains unclear whether child is directly associated with impaired or this link mediated by problems. Our study aimed at examining research question among adolescents Uganda. Methods A sample 232 school-going a mean age 14.03 ( SD = 3.25) was assessed on multiple forms using Maltreatment Abuse Chronology Exposure—Pediatric Version (pediMACE). Executive functions were Tower London task working memory Corsi Block Tapping task, while problems PTSD Symptom Scale for Center Epidemiological Studies Depression Children (CES-DC). Results In total, (100%) participant reported have experienced least one type their lifetime including emotional, physical, sexual violence as well neglect. We found negative association between executive (β − 0.487, p < 0.001) 0.242, 0.001). Mental did mediate relationship. Conclusions seems be related lower affected even after controlling potential cofounders. indicates that affects children’s functionality beyond well-being.