Reducing child hazards in the home. A joint venture in injury control

J Burn Care Rehabil. 1990 Mar-Apr;11(2):175-9. doi: 10.1097/00004630-199003000-00017.

Abstract

Injuries are a leading cause of childhood mortality and morbidity in the home, particularly in children less than 6 years of age. In an effort to prevent childhood injuries, the Hennepin County Burn Center began a joint venture with a public health agency to reduce home hazards for children less than 6 years of age who were treated at the burn center. Children were referred to a public health nurse for a home safety assessment. During the initial visit, child hazards were identified and recommendations were made for reducing injury risk. Parental compliance with recommendations was evaluated during a second home visit approximately 1 month later. Home safety assessments were completed in 21 homes, and a total of 131 recommendations were made. Burn prevention recommendations accounted for 43.5% of the total recommendations, poison control recommendations accounted for 36.6%, and other injury control recommendations accounted for 19.9%. Parents complied with 43.5% of the total 131 recommendations. Burn prevention recommendations had a compliance rate of 42%. Poison control recommendations had the highest rate of compliance at 58%. Other injury control recommendations had a compliance rate of 19%. The program had a positive effect on reducing home hazards. It was an appropriate response by practitioners already involved in the care of children, many of whom are at risk of injury.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Home / prevention & control*
  • Burn Units
  • Burns / prevention & control
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Minnesota
  • Patient Compliance
  • Poisoning / prevention & control
  • Public Health Nursing
  • Wounds and Injuries / prevention & control