Evaluation of a community-based prevention program for domestic burns of young children in India
P Jetten1, S Chamania, M van Tulder
1Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. paulien_jetten@hotmail.com
Insights
This study shows a domestic burn prevention program significantly reduced burns in young children in India. Families reported high satisfaction, indicating the program
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Safety
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Domestic burns pose a significant risk to young children.
- Effective prevention strategies are crucial for child safety.
- Limited data exists on burn prevention programs in low-income settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a domestic burn prevention program for young children in Indore, India.
- To assess the utilization and family satisfaction with the intervention.
- To measure the impact on burn incidents and hazardous situations in the home.
Main Methods:
- Pilot experimental study with a pre-post design.
- Intervention included educational sessions and distribution of safety devices (barriers/playpens).
- 34 families with children under 4 years participated across different socioeconomic communities.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction in burn incidents, from 18 to 2 (p < 0.01).
- Significant decrease in the frequency of dangerous household situations (p < 0.01).
- High family satisfaction reported, with a desire for continued program use.
Conclusions:
- The domestic burn prevention program demonstrated effectiveness in reducing burn injuries among young children.
- The intervention is well-received by families, suggesting potential for broader implementation.
- Further large-scale studies with multiple follow-up points are recommended to confirm long-term efficacy.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to measure the effectiveness and utilization of the prevention program for domestic burn prevention for young children in Indore, India.
Methodology:
Families with at least one child under 4 years of two low income communities and one middle/high income community were approached for this program. We conducted an experimental pilot study with a pre-post design between February and June 2009. The program consisted of an educational program in combination with the distribution of a barrier or playpen. The effectiveness and utilization of the intervention were measured by a baseline and follow-up questionnaire. A total of 34 families completed the baseline questionnaire as well as the follow-up.
Results:
A significant decrease in burns was reported (p < 0.01), from a total of 18 burns before the intervention to 2 burns after the placement. Furthermore, the frequency of dangerous situations occurring in the house, decreased significantly as well (p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
The prevention program seems an effective method in the reduction of burns of young children. Additionally, most families were satisfied with the intervention and would like to use it for a longer period of time. However, a large study with multiple evaluation moments would be needed to provide evidence of the effectiveness of this prevention program.
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