Reducing Child Hazards in the Home

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.