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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Liz Towner, Adrian Hawkins
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Objective To explore the knowledge and reported thermal injury prevention practices among parents of children aged 0-4 years in disadvantaged areas.Methods Parents of pre-school children in Children's Centres in four study areas in England (Nottingham, Newcastle, Norwich and Bristol) were interviewed using a structured schedule. Interviews covered smoke alarms, bedtime routines, fire escape plans, other thermal prevention practices and parental knowledge of first aid.Results Of the 200 respondents, most reported ownership of at least one smoke alarm (n=191, 96%), of which 95% were working. Half reported a fire prevention bedtime routine (n=105, 53%) or fire escape plan (n=81, 42%). Most parents had matches or lighters in the home (n=159, 80%), some stored where children under 5 years of age could reach them (n=30, 19%). There was a high prevalence of irons (n=188, 94%) and hair straighteners (n=140, 70%). A third of both devices were used daily. Just 17 (12%) parents reported leaving hair straighteners, when hot but not in use, in a heatproof bag. Knowledge of correct initial first aid for a small burn was good (n=165, 83%), but parents reported other potentially harmful actions, for example, applying ointment (n=44, 22%).Conclusions Most families report at least one working smoke alarm, but many do not have fire escape plans or fire prevention bedtime routines. A number of reported practices could compromise child safety, such as storage of matches or lighters and leaving hair straighteners to cool unprotected. Reappraisal of health promotion messages, in light of new household consumables, is necessary.
Author(s): Deave T, Goodenough T, Stewart J, Towner E, Majsak-Newman G, Hawkins A, Coupland C, Kendrick D
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Archives of Disease in Childhood
Year: 2013
Volume: 98
Issue: 7
Pages: 485-489
Print publication date: 01/07/2013
Online publication date: 16/04/2013
Acceptance date: 21/03/2013
ISSN (print): 0003-9888
Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2012-302901
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-302901
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