Perceptions of rural people about childhood burns and their prevention: A basis for developing a childhood burn prevention programme in Bangladesh

Summary 

Objectives

This study was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of people's perceptions of childhood burns and their prevention in rural areas of Bangladesh.

Study design

Qualitative study.

Methods

Five focus group discussions were conducted in this study. Eight to twelve members were present in each group. Groups were composed of mothers of children under 5 years of age, adolescent male and female students in Grades IX and X, fathers and local leaders such as school teachers and religious leaders. The study was conducted in a rural community of Bangladesh in 2003.

Results

Focus group participants were aware of the devastating consequences of childhood burn injuries. They reported that younger boys and older girls are at higher risk of burn injuries. They identified home as the most common place for childhood burn injuries, and stated that occurrence was more common in winter. They held the household members or caregivers responsible because of their lack of supervision and carelessness. The focus group participants suggested that people should supervise their children more carefully, and should take initiatives to modify their homes and premises as necessary so that children would not have access to fires and heat sources. Regarding first aid, the focus group participants reported prevailing harmful practices which are likely to make injuries worse.

Conclusions

A safety education programme could be an effective intervention to improve knowledge and practices of rural people in Bangladesh with regard to prevention of burns injuries in children.

Keywords: Childhood burns, Perception, Prevention, Community, Bangladesh