Knowledge and preventive strategies of childhood domestic injuries among nursing mothers in Edo State: a cross-sectional study.

Eunice Lucky  IRIMONRE; Doris Eseoghene IKOGHO; Aghogho onyerhovwo  EFERAKORHO; Elizabeth Osita  EGBULE

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2510

Authors

Dr. Eunice Lucky IRIMONRE Department of Health, Environmental and Safety Education, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
Doris Eseoghene IKOGHO Department of Health and Safety Education, Faculty of Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
Dr. Aghogho onyerhovwo EFERAKORHO Department of Health and Safety Education, Faculty of Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
Dr. Elizabeth Osita EGBULE Department of Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2510

Keywords:

Childhood domestic injuries, nursing mothers, preventive strategies, knowledge, primary health care, Edo State

Abstract

Background:

Childhood domestic injuries remain a significant public health concern, particularly among children under five years who spend most of their time in the home environment.

Objective:

This study assessed the knowledge and preventive strategies of childhood domestic injuries among nursing mothers attending Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in Edo State, Nigeria.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted. The study population comprised 44,732 nursing mothers attending PHC facilities in Edo State between January and October 2023. A sample of 447 respondents was selected using a multistage sampling technique, and 399 valid responses were analyzed. Data were collected using a validated self-structured questionnaire (KPSCHDIQ), which yielded a test–retest reliability coefficient of 0.82. Descriptive statistics were used to answer the research questions, while linear regression analysis was employed to test the hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance.

Results:

The findings revealed that 62.9% of respondents had moderate knowledge of childhood domestic injuries, 21.8% had high knowledge, and 15.3% had low knowledge. Preventive strategies were inconsistently practiced, with most respondents reporting that they sometimes engaged in safety measures such as removing hazardous objects, supervising children, and safely storing chemicals. However, critical measures such as installing window guards and using child-resistant devices were rarely practiced. Regression analysis indicated that knowledge did not significantly predict preventive strategies (β = 0.008, p = 0.869).

Conclusion:

Although nursing mothers demonstrated moderate knowledge of childhood domestic injuries, this knowledge did not significantly translate into consistent preventive practices. This suggests that other contextual factors, such as socioeconomic conditions and access to safety resources, may influence the adoption of preventive measures.

Recommendations

Community-based awareness campaigns should be organized to educate caregivers on the importance of maintaining safe home environments and adopting comprehensive injury prevention practices.

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