Parisa Keshavarz, Rahim Tahmasebi, Azita Noroozi,
Volume 25, Issue 4 (1-2020)
Abstract
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.
