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Acceptability and functionality of the "Kettle Strap": An attempt to decrease kettle related burns in children
Obakeng Makhubalo1, Dorothy Schulman2, Heinz Rode1
1Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Insights
Hot water burns from kettle scalds are preventable. The Kettle Strap is an affordable and acceptable device that improves kettle safety in homes, reducing burn injuries in toddlers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric burn prevention
- Public health interventions
- Child safety devices
Background:
- Extensive hot water burns (HWB) are a common and preventable injury among toddlers, particularly those from low socio-economic backgrounds.
- Kettle scalds are the primary cause of these severe burn injuries.
- Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH) frequently treats these cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acceptability and functionality of the Kettle Strap, a novel safety device for kettles.
- To gather feedback for a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing kettle-related thermal injuries.
- To inform the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa and ChildSafe initiatives.
Main Methods:
- A trial involving 50 caregivers of children at RCWMCH, divided into two groups: 25 with previous kettle-related burns and 25 without.
- Participants received a Kettle Strap and instructions for installation and use.
- Telephonic interviews were conducted at 1 month and 1 year post-distribution to assess acceptability and functionality.
Main Results:
- Caregivers found the Kettle Strap easy to install and believed it would prevent burns.
- High rates of continued use and perceived protection were reported at 1-month follow-up.
- After 1 year, 22 of 30 available participants were still using the device, with many informing others about burn safety.
Conclusions:
- The Kettle Strap is a user-friendly, cost-effective device for enhancing household kettle safety.
- The device shows promise in reducing the incidence of hot water burns in young children.
- Community engagement and awareness are key components of burn prevention strategies.
Background:
Extensive hot water burns (HWB) are common at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH). The majority are caused by kettle scalds. These burn injuries usually affect toddlers living in poor socio-economic circumstances. The majority of these injuries are preventable.
Aim:
This trial aims to demonstrate the acceptability and functionality of the Kettle Strap as a kettle safety device. The feedback will be used for a public awareness program marketed by the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa and ChildSafe as part of their mandate to reduce kettle related thermal injuries.
Methods:
50 caregivers of children at RCWMCH were given a Kettle Strap for use in their homes, 25 with kettle related burns (Group I) and 25 who had no history of burns (Group II). All participants were instructed on Kettle Strap installation and use. Telephonic interviews on the acceptability and functionality of the strap occurred 1 month and 1 year later.
Results:
The average age in Groups I and II was 25 and 22 months respectively. In Group I, the average burn surface area was 15%. Nineteen (76%) of the accidents occurred in the kitchen. Eighteen (72%) received immediate first aid. Twelve (48%) in Group I and 15 (60%) in Group II lived in formal housing. The majority of caregivers (90%) indicated that installation was quick and easy and thought that the Kettle Strap would prevent kettle burns. At 1 month follow-up, all the participants in Group I indicated that they would continue using the apparatus and felt greater protection compared to 84% of Group II. Only 40% indicated that use of the Kettle Strap raised awareness of other possible household dangers. Thirty participants were available telephonically after 1 year, 22 of these were still using the device, others had moved or lost their homes to fire. All participants had informed neighbors about the Kettle Strap and burn safety. The participants were prepared to pay ZAR 44 for the complete apparatus.
Conclusion:
The Kettle Strap is an acceptable, affordable device to improve kettle safety in the home.