Knowledge and Health seeking practices among parents on child injuries, at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of parents on child injuries and Health seeking practices of parents following child injury. Material and Methodology Used:  This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in the accident service of LRH in 2016. A total of 354 parents admitted with children were recruited using systematic random sampling. An interviewer administered questionnaire and a check list was used as study instruments. Data was analyzed using standard descriptive statistics on Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 and associations were analyzed using chi square test, taken p< 0.05 as significant. Results: Among parents father: mother ratio 1:10. Nearly one third of parents (33.9%) had an adequate knowledge, which was significantly associated with a higher educational level (p<.05). Most of the parents (46%) had obtained knowledge from electronic media. Majority of parents (n=228, 64.4%) have gone for health care facility within one hour of injury to the child and 210(59.3%) have selected specialized hospital (LRH) as first place for care following child injury. Conclusions: Only one third of parents had adequate knowledge on child injuries and associated with the level of education. But most of parents have reached health care facility within one hour of injury to the child. Electronic media can be used effectively for improve knowledge of the parents.