Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of mothers with children between the 0-6 years of age about safety precautions and first aid practices for home accidents.

Method: It was a descriptive-cross sectional research. It was conducted at child health and diseases polyclinic of a private hospital on 100 mothers with children between the ages of 0-6 years. The data were obtained using Personal Information Form, General Safety Precautions and First Aid Applications Evaluation Questionnaire, Scale for Mother’s Identification of Safety Measures Against House Accidents For Children of 0-6 Years of Age and First Aid Practices and Attitude Assessment Form for Childhood Home Accidents.

Results: The mean age of mothers was 32.12±6.41 years, and 30% of them were high school graduates. Sixty-nine percent of them reported that their child had a history of home accident at least once and 91% did not receive any training about home accidents. Sixty-seven mothers did not use any child locks for windows, 44 % of them that stove knob covers, and 59% of them any outlet plug covers. The mothers’ responses to statements on general safety precautions and first aid practices indicated that their knowledge and attitudes in this area are inadequate (9.17±1.79). Mothers had positive attitudes for prevention of childhood accidents at home (185.51±9.76).

Conclusion: It has been observed that mothers’ safety precautions and first aid practices were insufficient and attitudes differed with regard to variables such as education, working status and age. Parents should be trained about the safety precautions and first-aid practices for home accidents.