Caregiver’s Perspective on Preventing Unintentional Childhood Injuries in South Karnataka, India – A Qualitative Study

Sheela  Shetty; Baby S Nayak; Anice George; Mamatha Shivananda  Pai; Shrikiran Hebbar; Judith A Noronha

doi:10.55489/njcm.160120254820

Authors

Sheela Shetty Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9661-3415
Baby S Nayak Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9659-9860
Anice George Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Mamatha Shivananda Pai Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Shrikiran Hebbar Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Judith A Noronha Department of OBG Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160120254820

Keywords:

Wellbeing, Public Health, Education, Poverty, Environment, Child Health, Prevention

Abstract

Background: Childhood unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and disability among young children. Interventions to prevent unintentional injuries are multidimensional, and identifying key areas would facilitate a better understanding and implementation of preventive measures. The present research was conducted to explore and understand caregivers' perspectives on unintentional injuries, which might further contribute to developing injury prevention strategies.

Methods: The study adopted a qualitative approach. In-depth, open-ended, semi-structured, and individual interviews were conducted with caregivers of children between two and five-year-old age groups.

Results: The codes generated from the study are grouped under three major themes: ‘Child behaviour and development’, ‘Caregivers' knowledge and practices’, and ‘Safe environment’. The reasons for unintentional injuries and strategies to prevent them were reflected in the findings. Caregivers demonstrated awareness in a few of the areas by identifying the risk of injuries. Environmental determinants such as a lack of space or inadequate storage facilities were reported as barriers to injury prevention.

Conclusion: Understanding caregivers’ perspectives on injury prevention will enable them to change the behavior among caregivers. However, the barriers and facilitators to prevent injuries can be addressed during the development and implementation of the intervention package.

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