Determination of injury risks in 0 to 5 years of age group children by a safety checklist

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the risks of indoor and outdoor injuries which 0 to 5 years of age group healthy children may be exposed to. Material and Methods: The parents of 570 children in 0- 5 years of age group followed by regular health visits participated in the study. Each participant parent gave written informed consent. The parents were asked to fill a structured questionnaire for demographic data and a safety checklist to determine injury risks. Anticipatory guidance was given. The computer based statistical analysis of data was performed by percent distribution, mean and median analysis. Results: Mean age of the children was 20.09±14.85 months with a median of 15 month. The rate of previous injury was 15.3%. The risk awareness was highest for intoxications, least for burns. Less than 1% of children were found to have no risk of injury. Half of parents were previously informed about injury prevention. Individual counseling was given to the 18.4% of parents during health visit. The ratio of parents who believe that injuries can not be prevented was 17.7%. Conclusion: The risks of injury, especially for burns were high for children which the parents' level of risk awareness was low. Studies for improving risk awareness should be performed; individual counseling for injury control should be emphasized and placed in daily practice.