Maternal knowledge and attitude towards unintentional childhood injury among children under five

Abstract

Background: Childhood injuries resulting in disability represent a critical global health challenge, particularly for children under five and their families. Unintentional injuries, including falls, fractures, burns, scalds, and poisoning, pose significant risks. In Oyo State, Nigeria, limited maternal knowledge about these injuries potentially contributes to inadequate prevention strategies.

Objectives: The study examined unintentional childhood injuries among children under five by identifying nature of injury, assessing maternal knowledge and attitudes, and exploring associations between socio-demographic factors and their knowledge and attitude.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted across two hospitals, employing a structured questionnaire to collect data on injury characteristics, maternal knowledge, and attitudes. Statistical analysis using SPSS version 23.0 involved percentage calculations, standard deviation, Fisher’s exact test and chi-square test to evaluate demographic variable associations at a 5% significance level.

Results: Findings revealed falls, scalds, soft tissue damage, poisoning, and burns as the most frequent unintentional injuries necessitating hospitalisation. The research uncovered a significant deficit in maternal knowledge about childhood injuries, accompanied by predominantly negative preventive attitudes. Mothers’ age, religious background, and educational attainment demonstrated statistically significant correlations with knowledge scores.

Conclusion: The study exposes critical gaps in understanding and preventing childhood injuries, emphasising the urgent need for targeted educational interventions across community stakeholders to mitigate risks and improve child health outcomes.

Contribution: The study contributes to the existing literature, identified specific knowledge deficits regarding childhood injury prevention and factors that influence preventive knowledge and attitude. It also provides an evidence-base for developing appropriate educational interventions targeting vulnerable population.