OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a paraprofessional home visitation program (HVP) to improve home safety and prevent injuries among children living in low-income settings. METHODS: The HVP was implemented in two low-income communities in South Africa. In each community, approximately 200 households were randomly selected for the trial. Eligible households were those with children aged < or = 10 years. Intervention households received four visits, one every two weeks, by trained paraprofessionals that focused on a specific injury topic and consisted of: information dissemination about specific injury prevention practices; home inspection accompanied by information about home hazards; and the supply of safety devices. The key outcomes to measure the presence of home hazards were scores for burns (safety practices, paraffin, and electrical), poisoning, and falls. RESULTS: Significant reductions were found for injury risks related to burn safety practices. For injury risks related to electrical burns, paraffin burns, and poisoning, a decline was also noted although this was not statistically significant. No decline was noted for fall-related risks. CONCLUSIONS: Subject to further replication and evaluation, home visits by paraprofessionals providing safety education, home inspection, and safety devices be considered for integration into a comprehensive child injury prevention strategy in low-income communities.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a paraprofessional home visitation program (HVP) to improve home safety and prevent injuries among children living in low-income settings. METHODS: The HVP was implemented in two low-income communities in South Africa. In each community, approximately 200 households were randomly selected for the trial. Eligible households were those with children aged < or = 10 years. Intervention households received four visits, one every two weeks, by trained paraprofessionals that focused on a specific injury topic and consisted of: information dissemination about specific injury prevention practices; home inspection accompanied by information about home hazards; and the supply of safety devices. The key outcomes to measure the presence of home hazards were scores for burns (safety practices, paraffin, and electrical), poisoning, and falls. RESULTS: Significant reductions were found for injury risks related to burn safety practices. For injury risks related to electrical burns, paraffin burns, and poisoning, a decline was also noted although this was not statistically significant. No decline was noted for fall-related risks. CONCLUSIONS: Subject to further replication and evaluation, home visits by paraprofessionals providing safety education, home inspection, and safety devices be considered for integration into a comprehensive child injury prevention strategy in low-income communities.
Authors: Simon Lewin; Susan Munabi-Babigumira; Claire Glenton; Karen Daniels; Xavier Bosch-Capblanch; Brian E van Wyk; Jan Odgaard-Jensen; Marit Johansen; Godwin N Aja; Merrick Zwarenstein; Inger B Scheel Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2010-03-17
Authors: Samantha Turner; Geri Arthur; Ronan A Lyons; Alison L Weightman; Mala K Mann; Sarah J Jones; Ann John; Simon Lannon Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2011-02-16
Authors: David C Schwebel; Dehran Swart; Siu-kuen Azor Hui; Jennifer Simpson; Phumla Hobe Journal: Bull World Health Organ Date: 2009-09 Impact factor: 9.408