Application of Haddon’s matrix in qualitative research methodology: an experience in burns epidemiology

Abstract

BackgroundLittle has been done to investigate the application of injury specific qualitative research methods in the field of burn injuries. The aim of this study was to use an analytical tool (Haddon’s matrix) through qualitative research methods to better understand people’s perceptions about burn injuries.MethodsThis study applied Haddon’s matrix as a framework and an analytical tool for a qualitative research methodology in burn research. Both child and adult burn injury victims were enrolled into a qualitative study conducted using focus group discussion. Haddon’s matrix was used to develop an interview guide and also through the analysis phase.ResultsThe main analysis clusters were pre-event level/human (including risky behaviors, belief and cultural factors, and knowledge and education), pre-event level/object, pre-event phase/environment and event and post-event phase (including fire control, emergency scald and burn wound management, traditional remedies, medical consultation, and severity indicators). This research gave rise to results that are possibly useful both for future injury research and for designing burn injury prevention plans.ConclusionHaddon’s matrix is applicable in a qualitative research methodology both at data collection and data analysis phases. The study using Haddon’s matrix through a qualitative research methodology yielded substantially rich information regarding burn injuries that may possibly be useful for prevention or future quantitative research.

Burn Injury-Specific Home Safety Assessment: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran

“…However, there is some evidence and logical plausibility that home structure, home size and internal architecture of houses may have a possible role in increasing the injury likelihood specially in case of fires, child burns and fall injuries [7]–[12]. A WHO report on child injury prevention considers absence of flame retardant household materials and lack of separation between cooking area and other areas as factors that increase the risk of injuries [9].…”

“…Kerosene pressure stoves mainly known as primuses, for instance, are produced in different sizes and forms in some countries [18]–[21]. sometimes other types of traditional kerosene appliances,such as Valors and Aladins in Iran, are to be considered for their risks and sometimes these can be paraffin cookers [2]; [6]; [7]; [22]–[26].…”

“…Studies stress the relevant risks either in product safety and design or with mishandling or improper use of them [2]; [7]; [12]; [27]–[29].…”

Exploring possible causes of fatal burns in 2007 using Haddon's Matrix: a qualitative study

“…Haddon’s Matrix was used to improve the data saturation and analysis. 12 , 17 Data were collected by qualitative non-structured interviews using open-ended questions. The study participants were encouraged to speak freely about the topics of interest.…”

“…Each columns determines predisposing or enabling factors related to the injury occurrence. 10 , 11 Haddon’s Matrix, however, is mainly a tool for qualitative study, 12 and there is a paucity of studies that focus on factors that increase the risk of fatality in burn events. We aimed in this study to explore the possible causes of fatal burns in Ardabil Provincial Burn Center using Haddon’s Matrix.…”