Citation

Myklestad I, Engeland A. Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. 2000; 120(28): 3376-3379.

Vernacular Title

Hjemmeulykker blant smabarn og potensial for forebygging.

Affiliation

Avdeling for samfunnsmedisin Statens institutt for folkehelse Postboks 4404 Torshov 0403 Oslo. ingri.myklestad@folkehelsa.no

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Norske Laegeforening)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11187189

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incidence of childhood home injuries is currently high. A portion of these injuries could be prevented by simple safety precautions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study is based on data from the Norwegian National Injury Sample Register. We used this register to estimate the frequency of selected product-related injuries among Norwegian children aged two to three. We also used data from another study of home safety precautions taken by mothers of two-year olds. RESULTS: The most frequently reported injuries were falls from staircases and falls in bathrooms. The most severe were injuries related to stairs, medical drugs, and hazardous substances. The survey showed that a significant portion of parents do not take precautions to reduce the risk of injuries related to staircases, bathroom floor, electric cooker and poisoning with medical drugs. INTERPRETATION: There seems to be a potential for improved use of safety measures against product-related childhood injuries. Previous studies have shown that the interventions that are most effective in changing risk behaviour are a combination of legislation, educational campaigns, information to parents on home hazard reduction, and free supply of security equipment.