The Role and Awareness of Mothers in Home Accidents Among Children Aged 0-3

Overview

When considering developmental stages, children are the most vulnerable, the most in need of care, and the ones who require the most affection. The overall well-being of children is crucial for the development of the society in which they live. Children, who are influenced by physical, social, and cultural conditions, are particularly exposed to various accident risks, especially in the home environment. Children in the 0-3 age group, who spend most of their time at home, constitute the group with the highest accident rate due to their curiosity about exploring their surroundings, their constant movement, their lack of experience with dangers and risks, their tendency to imitate adults, and their insufficient development of the skills needed to protect themselves from accidents. Research indicates that numerous factors contribute to the occurrence of home accidents involving children. The child's age, gender, the family's socioeconomic status, the parents' educational background, and environmental factors play a decisive role in the occurrence of these accidents. It is the parents' responsibility to protect the child from any potential risks. By understanding the physical and mental developmental stages appropriate for the child's age, parents can anticipate and prevent potential hazards and unsafe situations. Mothers, who are primarily responsible for the care of children, play a key role in preventing home accidents. A mother's educational level, perception of accidents, and level of knowledge on the subject directly influence the child's risk of exposure to accidents. The safety measures mothers take regarding home accidents are a decisive factor in reducing the risks children may face within the home. While studies on home accidents exist in the literature, they are not sufficiently comprehensive. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of home accidents among children aged 0-3 and the factors associated with these accidents; to evaluate mothers' attitudes and behaviors regarding this issue; and to identify potential risks. This study will serve as a guide in determining the extent to which mothers' awareness and the safety measures they implement for children aged 0-3 who have experienced home accidents influence the frequency of such accidents.

Although there are studies on home accidents in the literature, they are not sufficiently comprehensive. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of home accidents among children aged 0-3 years and the factors associated with these accidents; to assess mothers' attitudes and behaviors regarding this issue; and to identify potential risks. This study will provide guidance on determining the extent to which mothers' awareness and the precautions they take for children aged 0-3 who have experienced home accidents influence the frequency of such accidents. The primary objective of this study is to determine the role of maternal awareness in preventing home accidents among children aged 0-3; to assess mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding home accidents; to identify risk factors that may lead to accidents; and to develop effective preventive measures and recommendations to raise awareness accordingly. This study is unique in that it comprehensively examines the decisive role of maternal awareness in preventing home accidents among children aged 0-3 years. While the existing literature typically examines home accidents or child safety issues separately, this study evaluates risk factors, mothers' awareness levels, and preventive measures taken collectively. Additionally, by revealing the relationship between mothers' awareness levels and the incidence of home accidents, the study offers a new perspective on preventive health behaviors. The study will be conducted with the mothers of children aged 0-3 years who are hospitalized for any reason in the Neonatal Ward, Pediatric Ward, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Siirt Training and Research Hospital. As part of the study, a structured educational program aimed at preventing home accidents will be implemented for mothers in the intervention group. The program consists of a total of 4 sessions, each lasting 30 minutes. The sessions will be conducted in person using slide presentations and educational brochures. The sessions will be led by the researcher in a suitable environment free from distractions. The training program is designed to identify risk factors, establish a safe home environment, foster safe behaviors, and increase awareness of emergency situations and basic first aid. The training is scheduled to take place once a week for four weeks, in 30-minute sessions.