Predictor factors for household accident prevention behavior based on protection-motivation theory in children under 5 years

• Published in: Hayāt (Tehran, Iran) Vol. 25; no. 4; pp. 444 - 457
• Main Authors: Parisa Keshavarz, Rahim Tahmasebi, Azita Noroozi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Persian
• Published: Tehran University of Medical Sciences 01.01.2020
• Subjects: accidents; child under 5 years; prevention
• ISSN: 1735-2215; 2008-188X

Background & Aim: Considering the importance of accidents prevention especially in children under 5 years, the study was conducted to determine the predictor factors for household accidents in children under 5 years based on protection-motivation theory (PMT) in Bushehr. Methods & Materials: In this descriptive study, 700 mothers with a child aged 6 months to 5 years, referred to health centers in Bushehr were selected by the convenience sampling method from March to August 2018. To collect the data, a valid and reliable self-structured questionnaire including demographic characteristics, questions on constructs of PMT and questions on the household accidents prevention behaviors was used. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 22. Results: In this study, 86% of mothers (602) were housekeeper and 46% (326) had academic education. The most common accident prevention behavior was preventing access to drugs, chemicals and toxins (98%). Perceived self-efficacy (P<0.001, B=0.259) and perceived cost (P<0.001, B=-0.159) were significant predictors for household accident prevention behaviors in children under 5 years, and perceived self-efficacy was the most predictors construct. Based on the linear regression model, these two constructs along with a history of prior accident, predicted 15% (R2=0.150) of behavioral changes. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the PMT is a poor predictor for accident prevention behavior, and in educational programs, emphasis on promoting self-efficacy and providing assistance to reduce barriers and difficulties in creating safety in the home (decreasing perceived cost) are necessary for reducing household accidents in children under 5 years.