It is difficult to perform epidemiological studies of child abuse in general and FII in particular.
| Incidence | - One BPSU [4] study puts the figure at 0.5/100,000 for under 16 year olds
- The figure for children under 1 year rises to 2.8/100,000
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| Age range | - FII has it's onset in early years [2]
- The majority of cases are <5 years of age [4]
- The median age at diagnosis in the BPSU study was 21.8 months [4]
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| Position in family | - Several children in a family may be at risk or just one [1]
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| Perpetrator characteristics | - Most often the mother – >80% of cases [1,2,4]
- May have existing mental health disorders, e.g. somatising and somatoform disorders, eating disorders, alcohol and drug use [2]
- However, most are not obviously deluded or identifiably mentally unwell [1]
- They may have personal histories of physical or sexual abuse as a child (25%) or being in local authority care [2]
- Previous paramedical training is not necessary: 7 – 20% [2]
- May seem caring and knowledgeable and can be persistent/demanding [1]
- May be skilled at concealing activities and misleading professionals [3]
- May deny activities when challenged and may seek alternative health care or move to another area thus continuing the risk to the child [3]
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