Comparison of the risk-taking behaviours of children and the practices adopted by their caregivers for improving home safety

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were: (1) to describe the efforts of caregivers to provide a safe home environment for their children and the risk-taking behaviours of children; (2) to determine the efficacy of caregivers' practices for providing a safe environment on the risk-taking behaviours of children; (3) to identify factors influencing the home-safety practices adopted by caregivers for their children; and (4) to determine the information sources that caregivers use for preventing in-home injuries in their children. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The sample consisted of 563 pairs of elementary students and their caregivers, who were administered home-safety questionnaires at school and home, respectively. Five hundred and one matched pairs were included in the analysis. Results: Caregivers' provision of a safe environment resulted in a reduced level of risk-taking behaviours in children, with this improving with sociodemographic status, higher paternal educational level, higher income level, living in an apartment, and for male children. Television and radio were the primary sources of information about preventing childhood in-home injuries, with only 38.0% of the caregivers listing doctors or hospitals as an information source. Conclusion: The data from this study indicate the vital roles played by caregivers in managing the risk of injury to young children and preventing injuries in the home. © 2008 The Royal Institute of Public Health.