[The impact of domestic violence on children's health].

BACKGROUND There is close association between maltreatment during pregnancy and child abuse after birth. AIM To compare anthropometric growth and use of health services of children whose mothers suffered maltreatment with children coming from families without domestic violence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A longitudinal study of two cohorts. An index groups formed by 76 children whose mothers experienced maltreatment and control group of 46 children coming from families without domestic violence. Data was obtained from patient files in private health centers. RESULTS Respiratory diseases were the most prevalent cause of consultation and hospital admission. Children in the index group had a 2.8 times higher risk of bronchopneumonia in the post natal period and a poor attendance to health care controls. In four children, cerebral contusion was registered as the cause of hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS Domestic violence is associated with a higher risk of respiratory diseases and hospital admissions in children. New strategies are necessary to detect and prevent child abuse and neglect.