Evaluation of the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of mothers of children admitted to the emergency department due to home accidents: a descriptive study from Northwest Syria

Abstract

Accidents that occur in the home or its surroundings are called home accidents. Our aim in this study was to identify the causes of admissions due to home accidents and to assess the awareness and attitudes of mothers. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency departments of Çobanbey and Azaz Vatan hospitals. Eighty-one mothers that have an average age of 30.02±7.56 years participated in the study. 53.1% (n=43) of the children admitted due to home accidents were males and the number of applicants in the 0-6 years age group was 54 (65.8%). The most common reason for admission was falls (53.1%, n=43), followed by burns (21%, n=17). It was found that the majority kept toxic substances such as rat poison and pesticides out of the reach of children (98.8%, n=80), warned their children to stay away from water wells (92.6%, n=75), and kept ignitable substances such as matches and lighters out of the reach of children (90.1%, n=73). In addition, 92.6% (n=75) left a teapot on the stove, 88.9% (n=72) left electrical appliances in the outlet, and 80.2% (n=65) reported that children could light the stove by themselves. The mean score calculated in the questionnaire on mothers' awareness and attitude toward home accidents was 15.44±3.40. It is very necessary to carry out studies on health systems with national and international cooperation in victimized regions such as the northwest of Syria and to inform families about accident risks and safety measures.