Citation

Beirens TM, Brug J, van Beeck EF, Dekker R, Juttmann RE, Raat H. Accid. Anal. Prev. 2007; 39(5): 964-968.

Affiliation

Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC–University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.aap.2007.01.001

PMID

17324371

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess demographic correlates of the presence and use of stair gates in homes with toddlers. METHODS: In 2004, self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 2470 parents with toddlers living in both urban and rural areas (response rate 70.1%). The questionnaires were sent by the youth healthcare providers that the parents visited regarding their toddler. RESULTS: In total, 83% of the parents reported to have at least one stair gate installed; however, 50% of these parents reported that they did not always close the stair gate. Households with a non-Dutch ethnic mother, one child, a female child, a young child or a child who cannot crawl, were less likely to have a stair gate. Households with one child, a toddler who cannot walk, and a mother with a higher educational level were less likely to use the gate adequately. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that parents of toddlers often report to have a stair gate; however, in homes with a gate the parents do not necessarily use the gate adequately. Different demographic characteristics were shown to be correlated with both having a stair gate and the use of a stair gate.

Language: en