The Role and Awareness of Mothers in Home Accidents Among Children Aged 0-3

The Role of Maternal Awareness in Preventing Home Accidents Among Children Aged 0-3: Risks, Level of Awareness, and Preventive Measures

When considering developmental stages, children are the most vulnerable, the most in need of care, and the ones who require the most affection. The overall well-being of children is crucial for the development of the society in which they live. Children, who are influenced by physical, social, and cultural conditions, are particularly exposed to various accident risks, especially in the home environment. Children in the 0-3 age group, who spend most of their time at home, constitute the group with the highest accident rate due to their curiosity about exploring their surroundings, their constant movement, their lack of experience with dangers and risks, their tendency to imitate adults, and their insufficient development of the skills needed to protect themselves from accidents. Research indicates that numerous factors contribute to the occurrence of home accidents involving children. The child's age, gender, the family's socioeconomic status, the parents' educational background, and environmental factors play a decisive role in the occurrence of these accidents. It is the parents' responsibility to protect the child from any potential risks. By understanding the physical and mental developmental stages appropriate for the child's age, parents can anticipate and prevent potential hazards and unsafe situations. Mothers, who are primarily responsible for the care of children, play a key role in preventing home accidents. A mother's educational level, perception of accidents, and level of knowledge on the subject directly influence the child's risk of exposure to accidents. The safety measures mothers take regarding home accidents are a decisive factor in reducing the risks children may face within the home. While studies on home accidents exist in the literature, they are not sufficiently comprehensive. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of home accidents among children aged 0-3 and the factors associated with these accidents; to evaluate mothers' attitudes and behaviors regarding this issue; and to identify potential risks. This study will serve as a guide in determining the extent to which mothers' awareness and the safety measures they implement for children aged 0-3 who have experienced home accidents influence the frequency of such accidents.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The mother must be 18 years of age or older.
• The mother's ability to read, write, and understand Turkish.
• Having agreed to participate in the study on a voluntary basis and having provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The mother has a serious communication impairment (such as severe hearing, speech, or cognitive impairment).
• The mother has an acute, serious mental or physical illness, or her child does, and as a result, she is unable to attend school
• Having previously participated in a similar training program (as this could undermine the study's effectiveness)
• Wanting to leave the study during training or testing sessions