Parental awareness regarding childhood injuries.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess parental awareness regarding common childhood injuries and to focus on preventive issues. METHODS: Two hundred parents of children each grouped into 2 attending OPD of government hospital and private clinic respectively were enrolled, interviewed and responses analyzed. RESULTS: The commonest potential mode of injuries identified in both groups was falls (53% vs 84%). None of the households in group 1 and less than 2/3rd in group 2 had provision of restraints at stairs. Awareness was found to be greater in the group with higher educational background and socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION: Awareness regarding common childhood injuries and their prevention was lacking. There was a felt need that the pediatricians must counsel the parents on this aspect during visits. Since the sample size is small, a larger community based study is needed.