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Community perceptions of unintentional child injuries in Makwanpur district of Nepal: A qualitative study

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

Authors

Elizabeth Towner

Matthew Ellis

Dharma Manandhar



Abstract

Background: In Nepal, childhood unintentional injury is an emerging public health problem but it has not been prioritised on national health agenda. There is lack of literature on community perceptions about child injuries. This study has explored community perceptions about child injuries and how injuries can be prevented. Methods. Focus group discussions were conducted with mothers, school students and community health volunteers from urban and rural parts of Makwanpur district in Nepal. FGDs were conducted in Nepali languages. These were recorded, transcribed and translated into English. A theoretical framework was identified and thematic analysis conducted. Results: Three focus group discussions, with a total of 27 participants, took place. Participants were able to identify examples of child injuries which took place in their community but these generally related to fatal and severe injuries. Participants identified risk factors such as the child's age, gender, behaviours and whether they had been supervised. Consequences of injuries such as physical and psychological effects, impact on household budgets and disturbance in household plans were identified. Suggestions were made about culturally appropriate prevention measures, and included; suitable supervision arrangements, separation of hazards and teaching about safety to the parents and children. Conclusion: Community members in Nepal can provide useful information about childhood injuries and their prevention but this knowledge is not transferred into action. Understanding community perceptions about injuries and their prevention can contribute to the development of preventive interventions in low income settings. © 2014 Pant et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date May 20, 2014
Publicly Available Date Jun 6, 2019
Journal BMC Public Health
Electronic ISSN 1471-2458
Publisher BioMed Central
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 14
Issue 1
Pages 476
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-476
Keywords child injury prevention, qualitative, child injuries, Nepal, low income countries
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/817562
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-476