Citation

Swart L, van Niekerk A, Seedat MA, Jordaan E. Inj. Prev. 2008; 14(3): 164-169.

Affiliation

UNISA Institute for Social and Health Sciences, Lenasia, South Africa. swartl@unisa.ac.za

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/ip.2007.016832

PMID

18523108

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a paraprofessional home visitation program (HVP) to improve home safety and prevent injuries among children living in low-income settings. METHODS: The HVP was implemented in two low-income communities in South Africa. In each community, approximately 200 households were randomly selected for the trial. Eligible households were those with children aged < or = 10 years. Intervention households received four visits, one every two weeks, by trained paraprofessionals that focused on a specific injury topic and consisted of: information dissemination about specific injury prevention practices; home inspection accompanied by information about home hazards; and the supply of safety devices. The key outcomes to measure the presence of home hazards were scores for burns (safety practices, paraffin, and electrical), poisoning, and falls. RESULTS: Significant reductions were found for injury risks related to burn safety practices. For injury risks related to electrical burns, paraffin burns, and poisoning, a decline was also noted although this was not statistically significant. No decline was noted for fall-related risks. CONCLUSIONS: Subject to further replication and evaluation, home visits by paraprofessionals providing safety education, home inspection, and safety devices be considered for integration into a comprehensive child injury prevention strategy in low-income communities.

Language: en