Prevention of domestic child accidents: an educational intervention conducted by Speech Therapy trainees in a Family Health Care Unit

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: to check the effect of an educational intervention on the prevention of domestic child accidents, carried out by Speech Therapy trainees. Methods: an interventional research that uses primary research data. The action was done by two interns of Speech Therapy with 30 caregivers of children who attended a Family Health Unit. For the carrying out of the educational intervention, two pictures with images which represented objects and situations of risk of accidents were used. Two interview scripts were elaborated, which allowed to identify the caregivers’ personal data and their knowledge about the risks of child accidents in the domestic environment before and after carrying out of the educational intervention. Results: before the educational action, the caregivers identified 187 situations for child accidents, and after the intervention, 215 dangers were identified. Among the 30 caregivers who participated, 23 had significant changes in their answers and seven did not have any change in their knowledge. The main change was in relation to "Accidental poisoning-intoxication by exposure to harmful chemicals" and "The impact caused by an object thrown, projected or falling". Conclusion: the intervention promoted an increase in the participants’ correct reports, and it can be incorporated to the actions of accidents prevention carried out by the trainees and professionals of Speech Therapy who work in basic healthcare.