Knowledge, attitude and practices of childhood injuries and their prevention by primary caregivers in Singapore

MM Thein, BW Lee, PY Bun
Correspondence: Dr Myint Myint Thein, mmthein@pacific.net.sg

ABSTRACT
Introduction Childhood injuries are the leading cause of death for children between 5 to 14 years of age in Singapore. There have been no studies done on primary caregivers' knowledge, attitude and practices on childhood injuries and its prevention in Singapore. Thus there is a need to conduct this type of study in order to develop appropriate educational programmes.
Methods A cross-sectional nationwide study with a two-stage stratified random sampling was conducted to obtain a representative sample of the Singapore population. Families that had children younger than 15 years of age were selected for the study. Parents and caregivers were interviewed at their homes.
Results The primary caregivers had good knowledge of road safety but poor knowledge on home safety and first aid. The higher the education of the mother, the more likely it is that she would possess the correct knowledge and practice on childhood injuries and its prevention. The media plays an important role on information on child safety of the caregivers. Only 38 percent said they obtained information from doctors and other health personnel.
Conclusion There is a need to educate parents and caregivers on home safety and first aid. Doctors and nurses should take a more active role in giving advice on child safety.

Keywords: caregiver attitude, caregiver knowledge, childhood injuries, child safety, home safety
Singapore Med J 2005; 46(3): 122-126