Community perceptions of childhood injuries and its prevention measures in Nepal: A qualitative study

Pant, Puspa Raj; Towner, Elizabeth; Ellis, Matthew; Pilkington, Paul

Abstract

Objectives: To gain an in-depth understanding of people’s perception of causes and their concepts of prevention of childhood injuries in Nepal.
Design: A qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Setting: Communities of Makwanpur district of Nepal. Participants: FGDs were conducted with female community health volunteers (FCHVs), school children of grades 6 to 9; and mothers of children. One FGD was conducted for each group. Out of 27 participants 21 were female. Five KIIs were conducted with paramedics, Child NGO worker, Child protection officer and a teacher.
Results: The respondents considered that injuries are normal phenomena to children, and all children are at risk of different types of injuries. Participants believed that it is difficult to predict and prevent children from being injured. The most common cause of child injuries was reported as their everyday activities; and ignorance and lack of knowledge. They also associated illiteracy and poverty with child injuries. Additional child supervision was the most frequently expressed measure of injury prevention to young children. Introduction of injury prevention awareness in the community was suggested by students, FCHVs and KIs.
Conclusions: Participants felt that road accidents constituted child accidents but they, were able to explain many causes, circumstances and preventive practices when questioned. Child injuries were largely ignored because this issue was rarely discussed in a practical manner to prevent them. Therefore, child injury prevention programme with major awareness rising activities is urgently recommended.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: 21st IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion
• Start Date: Aug 25, 2013
• End Date: Aug 29, 2013
• Publication Date: Aug 25, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 7, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: community, childhood injuries, prevention, Nepal
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/928955
• Publisher URL: http://www.iuhpe.org/index.php/en/conferences
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : 21st IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion