Perceptions of adolescent mothers regarding prevention of unintentional injuries to young children

Abstract

Within the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study is a description of adolescent maternal attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control regarding the prevention of unintentional injuries to young children. Interview guides, developed by the researcher and evaluated by five content experts for content validity, were used for data collection. Research questions were addressed using content analysis of responses from interviews with 20 adolescent mothers. Six categories that emerged from 1405 thematic units were: Childhood Dangers, Detrimental Outcomes, Safeguarding Children, Significance of Safeguarding, Sources of Information, and Desire for Knowledge. Adolescent mothers were able to identify unintentional injuries that commonly occur in the home to young children, verbalize strategies that assist in injury prevention, and express the importance of home safety. Professionals were identified as a major source of information regarding injury prevention. Limited income and unrealistic perceptions of childhood development were some of the barriers that hindered the provision of home safety. Findings from this study provide an opportunity for nurses to develop injury prevention education and support programs specific to adolescent mothers.