FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO HOME ACCIDENTS AMONG CHILDREN BELOW 5 YEARS IN AKERE DIVISION, APAC MUNIPALITY, APAC DISTRICT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/hksq7302Keywords:
Home accidents, Environmental factors, Children under five years, Akere DivisionAbstract
Background: Home accidents are a leading cause of injury and morbidity among children under five years. This has led to financial burden, emotional trauma and reduced productivity among affected households. The study aimed to assess the factors contributing to home accidents among children under five years in Akere Division, Apac Municipality, Apac District.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study with 67 caregivers using structured questionnaires on demographics, environmental risks, caregiver practices, and socioeconomic factors; data analyzed quantitatively. Data was analyzed and presented into tables, graphs and pie charts using microsoft Excel 2020.
Results: The majority of caregivers were female (67.2%), aged 26–30 years (31.3%), married (61.2%), and mainly engaged in farming (37.3%) or business (29.9%). Common environmental hazards included slippery floors (58.2%), hot kitchen surfaces (64.2%), sharp objects (71.6%), and easily accessible medications (77.6%). Over half (52.2%) reported that combined preventive measures like stair gates, window guards, and area rugs were most effective, while 49.3% favored ongoing educational sessions to improve knowledge. Socioeconomic factors contributing to accidents included household overcrowding (67.2%), limited access to safety equipment (61.2%), and distance from health facilities, with 29.9% living more than 3 km away; only 44.8% had attended community child safety programs.
Conclusion: Home accidents were influenced by environmental, caregiver, and socioeconomic factors. Awareness existed, but limited resources and access to education/health services increased risks.
Recommendations: Strengthen health education, improve access to safety equipment, promote community programs, and encourage nurses to engage families and monitor home safety.
Nursing implication: Continuous monitoring, follow-up, health education and home visits to reduce incidence of home accidents among children under
5years.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Moses Okello, Ronald Awoi, Denish Obong, Filder Monica Odella (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
