Minor injuries among under-fives in a South Indian village.

The present study was conducted with the objective to determine the treatment seeking behavior of parents/caretakers for injuries sustained by children under five years of age in rural Southern India. Out of 325 children, 39.7% were treated by a health personnel, 29% received home remedy while the rest (31.3%) did not receive any treatment. Abrasion (72.6%) was the commonest type of injury observed. 47.3% of injuries were treated within an hour of onset. Commonest home remedies used ranged from antiseptics to folk remedies. Training of parents and caretakers for hygienic and timely treatment of injury is recommended.