Promoting the role of parents in preventing child sexual abuse: scoping review protocol

Authors

  • Penélope Morais Terra School of Nursing, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal | Local Health Unit of Gaia and Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal | Information Systems Research and Development Center, School of Nursing, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2437-4919
  • Rita Fernandes School of Nursing, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9870-2128
  • José Alves Catholic University of Portugal, Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS), Porto, Portugal | Braga Local Healthcare Unit, Intensive Care Unit, Braga, Portugal https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5809-3788
  • Fernando Manuel dos Santos School of Nursing, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal | Information Systems Research and Development Center, School of Nursing, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4120-4750
  • Paula Sousa School of Nursing, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal | Information Systems Research and Development Center, School of Nursing, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4695-0832
  • Cânia Torres School of Nursing, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal | Information Systems Research and Development Center, School of Nursing, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1827-9479

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62741/ahrj.v3iSuppl.118

Keywords:

child; sexual abuse; child maltreatment; parents

Abstract

Introduction: Child sexual abuse includes any sexual act involving children, with or without physical contact. Understanding its complexity and promoting anticipatory parental competencies are essential for guiding effective preventive interventions.

Objectives: To map clinically relevant scientific evidence on nursing interventions aimed at the parental role in preventing child sexual abuse.

Methodology: A Scoping Review will be conducted following the JBI methodology. The search will cover peer-reviewed databases, including MEDLINE Ultimate, CINAHL Ultimate, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, and Scopus, as well as Portugal's Open Access Scientific Repository and ProQuest. The database search was performed on September 4, 2025.

Results: Data will be presented descriptively, using figures and tables, accompanied by a narrative summary synthesizing nursing interventions that promote parental roles in the prevention of child sexual abuse.

Conclusion: This review will consolidate evidence to support the practice of Specialist Nurses in Child and Pediatric Health, enhancing preventive strategies based on the promotion of parental roles.

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Published

16-03-2026