title: Parents' self-reported behaviors related to health and safety of very young children.
abstract: This survey documented self-reported health and safety behaviors of parents of children enrolled in Head Start programs. The sample consisted of eight preschool programs (n = 1143) from different geographical areas of the country. This survey obtained baseline data on parent self-reported behavior as it relates to priority issues in child health and safety. A 25-item questionnaire assessed parents' behavior related to injury prevention, fire and electrical safety, firearm storage, poison prevention, automobile safety, and child supervision. More than 90% of parents reported they use car seats, teach handwashing and pedestrian safety, and keep medicine and alcohol out of children's reach. Fewer than 60%, however, reported they keep guns and bullets stored separately and locked, possess a working fire extinguisher, or have the poison control telephone number available. Findings provide direction for emphasis for those developing or implementing a comprehensive family health education program.
authors.affiliation: JCCEO Head Start Program, Birmingham, AL 35204, USA.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Hendricks
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reichert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012449:Safety; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires