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Health promotion and injury prevention in a child development center
1Barnes College of Nursing, University of Missouri, St. Louis 63121, USA.
Insights
A nurse-led health promotion program in a daycare significantly reduced childhood illnesses and injuries. This initiative improved child health outcomes through staff education on infection control and injury prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nursing Education
Background:
- Childhood illnesses and injuries are significant concerns in daycare settings.
- Effective health promotion programs are crucial for improving child health and safety.
- Existing programs may not adequately address the specific needs of daycare environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a nurse-directed health promotion program on child health.
- To determine if the program could decrease injury rates among children in a daycare center.
- To assess the effectiveness of staff training in health promotion strategies.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental time series design was employed.
- The study included 29 children aged 6 weeks to 5 years in a university child care center.
- Health was assessed weekly for 4 weeks pre- and post-program using the Child Health Assessment Inventory.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in upper respiratory illnesses was observed.
- Accidental injury rates among children showed a significant reduction.
- The nurse-directed program demonstrated a positive impact on child health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Nurse-directed health promotion programs are effective in improving child health in daycare settings.
- Implementing such programs can lead to a reduction in childhood illnesses and injuries.
- Further research should explore parent and child-focused health promotion initiatives.
Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to determine if a nurse-directed health promotion program in a day care center increased the health of the children in the center and decreased injury rates. The research used a quasi-experimental time series design to answer the research questions. The convenience sample consisted of 29 children between the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years who were enrolled in a university child care center in a metropolitan area. The subjects had their health evaluated by a registered nurse, using the Child Health Assessment Inventory, once per week for 4 consecutive weeks. The Child Health Assessment Inventory measures frequent childhood illnesses and injuries. At the end of this first stage of data collection the Health Promotion Program was given to the staff members in the center. The program consisted of primary care information, such as signs and symptoms of childhood illness, infection control, injury prevention, and first aid. At the conclusion of the program the children had their health evaluated again once per week for 4 weeks. Repeated measures ANOVA showed there was a significant decrease in upper respiratory illness and accidental injury rates. The clinical application of this research is that a nurse-directed health promotion program can have an impact on childhood injuries. Subsequent research can determine if similar health promotion classes to parents and children have a positive effect on health.