Ahmed Y, Anjum Q, Usman Y, Qureshi A F.
Importance of Health Education in injury prevention among children.
J Pak Med Assoc Jan ;54(7):390-1.

This is a cross-sectional survey, using purposive sampling method. A self-administered piloted questionnaire was administered to mothers belonging to middle and higher socioeconomic strata in various areas of Karachi. A total of 53 mothers with mean age and standard deviation of 33±7 years were interviewed, 36% had qualification upto matric (10 years of education) and 64% above matric. All mothers had their children vaccinated, 93% knew about the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), but only 57% mothers knew about booster vaccines. A majority (79%) used baby walkers, 58% felt they are safe for children, 89% thought head injury and 67% thought fractures could be a consequence of using walkers. Half of the mothers (51 %) had window guards and a quarter (25%) knew about spacing of bars in the baby crib. Car is driven by 86% mothers, 81% knew about seat belts, 28% used them for children and 22% thought injury due to impact can be prevented by using belts. Only 17% had car seats; knew about the specifications of their use and the age of children when to use them face back and front. Over half (53%) considered lead as a poison; 40% knew paint contains lead and 53% knew petrol fumes contain lead, 36% thought lead effects IQ level and 25% felt lead causes behavior changes. The detergents, soaps and insecticides were kept under the sink by 17%, under the sink locked by 34%, above the sink by 51% and above the sink locked by 36% mothers. In case of ingestion of any hazardous material, 81% mothers would induce vomiting and almost all (98%) would immediately consult a doctor. The percentage of mothers answering "yes" to whether health professionals discussed preventive measures on various issues were: immunization 64%; walker 30%; drowning 32%; seat belts 21%; car seats 11%; fall prevention 28%; sweets, nuts & suparis 53%; lead 15%; and hazardous material 38%.

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