PARENTAL PERCEPTION OF INJURY PREVENTION PRACTICES IN A MULTICULTURALMETROPOLITAN-AREA

Introduction: This study was conducted to survey parents of children s een in the emergency department regarding parent and child safety-rela ted behaviors, parents' perceptions of their children's risks for inju ry, and educational needs. Methods: The descriptive design involved th ree questionnaires with age-specific items related to children in grou ps 0-4 years, 5-12 years, and 13-15 years, Parents voluntarily complet ed the questionnaires in the emergency department waiting area, Data w ere analyzed by descriptive statistics, parametric tests,and content a nalysis. Results: The culturally diverse sample included 81% minority group representation, Parents tended to underestimate their children's risks for injury from motor vehicle trashes. Less than one half of ca retakers believed that most injuries can be prevented, Only one third of parents listed needs for future learning, although parents of young er children listed more needs, High response rates were received for k nowing how to call 911, use of child car seats and seat belts, and smo ke detectors in the home, Discussion: Survey results provide evidence that parents have misconceptions about childhood injury, Through strat egic planning, we have expanded our community education programs to fo cus on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and activating the emergency medi cal system, water safety, use of safety helmets, and injury prevention in the home.