Perspectives and experiences of nurses about child abuse identification, reporting and response in Saudi Arabia: (An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis)

Background: Child abuse remains a sensitive and under-researched issue in Saudi Arabia. Nurses are often the first professionals to observe and treat signs of possible abuse. However, their responses are shaped by institutional, cultural, and emotional factors. Exploring their lived experiences can provide crucial insights into current practices and barriers to child protection.
Aim:
This study explores the lived experiences of nurses about child abuse awareness, identification, reporting, response and management.
Methods: A qualitative approach using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used. Fifteen nurses from the maternity and children's hospital in Hail city in Saudi Arabia. By using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed to develop experiential and group experiential themes.
Findings: A comprehensive description of nurses’ experiences with child abuse cases
was developed from the data, revealing five groups experiential themes: understanding and recognizing child abuse; facing barriers to reporting; experiencing emotional and professional challenges; navigating cultural and social constraints; and proposing institutional improvements. Nurses described child abuse as
a distressing but common part of their work, affecting confidence, decision-making, and emotional wellbeing. Despite these challenges, many demonstrated empathy and professional commitment. They emphasized the need for clear policies, supportive supervision, and continuous training to enhance child protection practices.
Conclusion: The study explores the role of professional, cultural, and institutional factors in
shaping nurses’ responses to child abuse. Strengthening training, establishing clear reporting systems, and enhancing organisational support are vital to support nurses in safeguarding children and improving protection practices in Saudi Arabia.