Risk factors in the domestic environment for falls in children under five years of age

ABSTRACT

Objective  To analyze the risk factors in the domestic environment for the occurrence of falls in children under five years of age.

Method  A cross-sectional study was conducted in May and in June of 2016 with 344 caregivers of children from Northeast Brazil. A socio-economic questionnaire and a checklist for environmental observation were used. Bivariate analyzes were performed using Pearson’s Chi-square test.

Results  They were associated with the risk of falls in children under 5 years of age: High net (p = 0.015), presence of stairs or steps without a handrail (p=0.003), and exits and passages kept with toys, furniture, boxes or other items that may be obstructive (p=0.002).

Conclusion  The factors in the domestic environment identified as associated with the risk of falls in children under five years of age demonstrate that there is a need to construct prevention strategies related to the structure and organization of this environment.

Accidents caused by falls; Domestic accidents; Child; Risk factors