In this cross-sectional epidemiological study, we covered first each regional health center in Malatya city center, a total of 30 clusters out of the population using a proportional systematic sampling method, and in turn, a sample size of 704 children under five.
The frequency of injury-producing accidents was determined as 12.6%. The majority of the accidents occurred in the house, and 65.3% of them were due to falls; in 65.1%, accidents occurred in the presence of the mother. The frequency of the accidents was highest for the 4-5 age group (14.1%) and lowest among those .1 year. It was found that maternal age .30 (odds ratio [OR]=1.9) and patient age of 4-5 years (OR=5.4) primarily affected the chances of having an accident. A drawing of a kitchen setting, representing a total of 13 accident-producing risks, was given to the mothers, who were able to define an average of only 5.1�}0.2 risks.
The average number of risks defined by the mothers was found to be associated with the age of the child, educational background of the mother, her occupation, type of family, and monthly family income. No relation was determined between the accident risk awareness and accident frequency.
In conclusion, the injury-producing accident frequency among children aged under five in central Malatya was found to be high. Given the finding that children have accidents in the presence of their mothers, it seems reasonable to provide mothers with parenting applications and training programs to reduce the home-based risks.
Keywords : frequency, injury-producing accidents, residential/home accidents, children under five, risk awareness