Injury-related unsafe behavior among households from different socioeconomic strata in Pune city

• Main Authors: Mirkazemi Roksana (Author), Kar Anita (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 0970-0218; 1998-3581
• Keywords: India; pattern of behavior; unintentional injury; urban households; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Indian Journal of Community Medicine, Vol 34, Iss 4, Pp 301-305 (2009)

<b>Introduction:</b> Behavior pattern influences the risk of unintentional injuries. This study was conducted to identify the pattern of household unsafe behavior in different socioeconomic strata, in Pune city, India. <b> Materials and Method:</b> Population-based, cross-sectional study. Behaviors influencing the risk of burn, poisoning, drowning, and road traffic injuries were questioned from 200 randomly selected households. <b> Results:</b> Nearly 28&#x0025; of the households did not have a separate kitchen, 37.5&#x0025; cooked at the ground level, 33.5&#x0025; used a kerosene pressure stove, 12&#x0025; used unprotected open fire as a source of warmth in winter, and 34.5&#x0025; stored inflammable substances at home. Ninety one percent of the households reported storing poisonous chemicals in places that could not be locked. In 68.3&#x0025; of the households with children below five years, these chemicals were kept in places accessible to children. Nearly 21&#x0025; of the individuals, who could swim, did so in unsafe places and 25.2&#x0025; of them were not trained in swimming. In 35.5&#x0025; of the households, children used streets as playgrounds. Among all two-wheeled vehicle riders, 35.6&#x0025; reported not having a helmet and 57.7&#x0025; of those who had a helmet did not use it regularly. Socioeconomic status was strongly associated with the unsafe behaviors related to burns, drowning, and road traffic injuries. <b> Conclusion:</b> The study identifies the sociocultural and behavioral factors leading to unsafe behaviors, placing individuals at risk of unintentional injuries, which can be used as a first step toward prevention.