Assessment of Home Safety in Children From Kentuckiana

To evaluate home safety of children in the Ohio Valley Region.

Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected by baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in a pediatric nursing course. A standardized Home Safety Assessment Survey and a Rural or Urban Safety Assessment were used with 95 families. Participants included 15 families who lived in rural areas and 80 families who lived in urban areas. The surveys were conducted in the homes of families that nursing students selected.

Families with children under the age of 1 year had lower safe practices, while those with older and more than one child demonstrated higher safe practices.

Based on these findings, interventions could be developed that focus on child injury prevention within home settings. Families presenting with the greatest risk of unintentional injuries can be identified and given extra attention and education.