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Algethami RG, Tamur SA, Alsofyani RM, Alfaifi HH, Qattan FM, Alharthi MS, Aljaid MS, Almalki SA, Khayat AM, Alzahrani AS, Khalifa EA, Shams AM. Parents' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Baby Walkers, Baby Car Seats, Oral Health, and Child Screen Time in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e52464. [PMID: 38371110 PMCID: PMC10873485 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Awareness of age-appropriate milestones and developmental stages is crucial for parents to identify any potential delays or concerns early on and seek appropriate interventions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caregivers in Saudi Arabia regarding baby walkers, baby car seats, early dental visits, and screen time for young children. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents in Saudi Arabia using a structured questionnaire. A convenience and snowball sampling method was employed to recruit participants from various regions of the country. The questionnaire aimed to assess parents' knowledge regarding the recommended use of baby walkers and baby car seats, their awareness of the importance of early dental visits, and their understanding of appropriate screen time guidelines. Additionally, the survey explored parents' practices toward these recommendations. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and associations between variables were examined using the chi-squared test. Results A total of 1318 participants were included. The analysis revealed that the majority of the participants (n=1066,81.3%) use a baby walker, while only (n=292,22.3%) consider that they should never be used. Overall, (n=388,29.6%) of the participants never used a car seat for their infants or children. In terms of early childhood dental visits, approximately (n=518,39.5%) of the participants reported actually taking their child to the dentist within the recommended timeframe. Regarding screen time for children, (n=148,11.3%) of the participants reported that their children spend >5 hours daily in front of the screen. Conclusions Raising parents' awareness about recent childcare recommendations and safe practices is crucial for promoting optimal child development, preventing health problems, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, reducing risks, enhancing parental confidence and empowerment, and nurturing positive parent-child relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawan G Algethami
- Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU
| | - Shadi A Tamur
- Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU
| | - Rawan M Alsofyani
- Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU
| | | | - Faris M Qattan
- Medicine, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Eman A Khalifa
- Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU
| | - Anawr M Shams
- Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU
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Albarrak YA, Algwaiz AF, Sharaf AM, Alahmari AA, Albadi AK, Almutairi AM. The Reasons and Associated Injuries Related to Baby Walkers Use Among Children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2021; 13:e17122. [PMID: 34548961 PMCID: PMC8437085 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baby walkers (BW) are devices commonly used for helping babies' mobility. However, it is associated with different types of injuries. Parents still use BWs and believe that it promotes early walking. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to estimate the use of baby walkers among children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to identify the parental reasons for using BW, and to list their associated injuries. METHODS This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted between January 9, 2021, and January 31, 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed through online means. We included all families living in Riyadh who have at least one child that is older than six months and younger than 36 months. RESULTS This study included a total of 977 responders, of which, the majority 765 (78.3%) were baby walker users and 212 (21.6%) were non-users. Among those families using BW, the highest reason behind using them was to help the baby walk earlier (27.3%). However, believing that there is no need for using BW is the highest reason in the non-user group (29.40%). Fifteen percent of the responders reported that they had injuries related to BW usage and most of those injuries were falling downstairs (51.7%). The level of awareness regarding the disadvantage of BW was high in BW non-users (21.1%) compared to BW users (5.1%). CONCLUSION The results of our study show that the prevalence of BW usage is high in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The majority of the families lack knowledge of the benefits and hazards of BW. Thus, pediatricians and the Ministry of Health have to increase the awareness of BW. Furthermore, the government should ban their importation and selling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir A Albarrak
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Abdulelah M Sharaf
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, SAU
| | - Albaraa A Alahmari
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, SAU
| | - Alwaleed K Albadi
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ahmed M Almutairi
- Pediatrics, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, SAU
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Sims A, Chounthirath T, Yang J, Hodges NL, Smith GA. Infant Walker-Related Injuries in the United States. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2017-4332. [PMID: 30224365 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-4332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of infant walker-related injuries among children <15 months old who were treated in US emergency departments and to evaluate the effect of the 2010 federal mandatory safety standard on these injuries. METHODS National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data from 1990 to 2014 were analyzed. RESULTS An estimated 230 676 children <15 months old were treated for infant walker-related injuries in US emergency departments from 1990 to 2014. Most of the children sustained head or neck injuries (90.6%) and 74.1% were injured by falling down the stairs in an infant walker. Among patients who were admitted to the hospital (4.5%), 37.8% had a skull fracture. From 1990 to 2003, overall infant walker-related injuries and injuries related to falling down the stairs decreased by 84.5% and 91.0%, respectively. The average annual number of injuries decreased by 22.7% (P = .019) during the 4-year period after the implementation of the federal mandatory safety standard compared with the 4-year period before the standard. CONCLUSIONS Infant walker-related injuries decreased after the implementation of the federal mandatory safety standard in 2010. This decrease may, in part, be attributable to the standard as well as other factors, such as decreased infant walker use and fewer older infant walkers in homes. Despite the decline in injuries, infant walkers remain an important and preventable source of injury among young children, which supports the American Academy of Pediatrics' call for a ban on their manufacture and sale in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Sims
- Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Thitphalak Chounthirath
- Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jingzhen Yang
- Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; and
| | - Nichole L Hodges
- Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; and
| | - Gary A Smith
- Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; .,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; and.,Child Injury Prevention Alliance, Columbus, Ohio
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Barss P, Grivna M, Al-Hanaee A, Al-Dhahab A, Al-Kaabi F, Al-Muhairi S. Baby walker injury, disability, and death in a high-income middle eastern country, as reported by siblings. Inj Epidemiol 2016; 3:17. [PMID: 27747554 PMCID: PMC4942486 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-016-0082-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Baby walkers (BWs) are frequent causes of infant injuries. Little research is reported from the Middle East and few population-based studies anywhere. Methods Using multistage random sampling in a city of the United Arab Emirates, 4 of 8 female Arab government high schools and 3 final-year classes each from science and arts tracks were selected. Structured self-administered questionnaires assessed prevalence, frequency, severity, and external causes of BW incidents and injuries, and residential hazards. Results Response was 100 %, 696 students, 55 % (n = 385) Emirati citizens. 87 % (n = 605) of families used/had used BWs. Among 646 injuries were 118 ER (emergency) visits, 42 hospitalizations, 11 disabilities, and 3 deaths. Average risk was 1 incident/user, 1 injury/4 users, 1 ER visit/20, 1 hospitalization/55, 1 disability/200, 1 death/1000. Odds ratios for >1:1 floor levels were 2.3 (95 % confidence interval: 1.2, 4.3) for hospitalization, 16.8 (95 % CI: 2.1, 132.5) disability. Incidents included hitting objects 48 % (n = 1322), overturning 23 % (n = 632), accessing hazardous objects 17 % (n = 473), and falling down stairs 11 % (n = 300); 1 % (n = 32) fell into swimming pools. In 49 % (n = 297/605) of user families, ≥1 child had been injured. Conclusions Despite causing many injuries including disabilities and fatalities, BWs were used by nearly all families. Governments should consider Canada’s lead in prohibiting importation, sales, and advertising of BWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Barss
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michal Grivna
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Amna Al-Hanaee
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayesha Al-Dhahab
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Al-Kaabi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shamma Al-Muhairi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Grivna M, Barss P, Al-Hanaee A, Al-Dhahab A, Al-Kaabi F, Al-Muhairi S. Baby walker injury awareness among grade-12 girls in a high-prevalence Arab country in the Middle East. Asia Pac J Public Health 2014; 27:NP1507-16. [PMID: 24595658 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513498766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Baby walkers (BWs) are a consumer product frequently associated with infant injuries. With little research in the Middle East and few population studies anywhere, female students in grade 12 in the United Arab Emirates were surveyed, assessing the prevalence of use, perceived safety, and interventions. The study population included grade-12 students in a large UAE city. Multistage random sampling selected 4/8 female Arab government schools and 3 classes each from science and arts tracks for interview by self-administered questionnaire. Response was 100%, with a total of 696 students, 55% (n = 385) of whom were Emirati citizens; 90% (n = 619) of the families used/had used BWs. Among the reasons for use, 92% reported "keeping baby safe," with 11% perceiving BWs as very safe and 74% as moderately safe. Only 16% perceived that BWs could cause injuries. Despite causing many injuries, including fatalities, BWs were perceived to be safe and used by nearly all families. Effective education of professionals, patients, the public, and decision makers is needed. Governments should consider countermeasures such as prohibiting importation, sales, and advertising, together with public education and provision of stationary activity centers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Barss
- United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE Interior Health Authority of British Columbia, Salmon Arm, BC, Canada University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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McClure R, Nixon J, Spinks A, Turner C. Community-based programmes to prevent falls in children: a systematic review. J Paediatr Child Health 2005; 41:465-70. [PMID: 16150059 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2005.00685.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We systematically reviewed the literature to examine the evidence for the effectiveness of community-based interventions to reduce fall-related injury in children aged 0-16 years. METHODS We performed a comprehensive search of the literature using the following study selection criteria: community-based intervention study; target population was children aged 0-16 years; outcome measure was fall-related injury rates; and either a community control or historical control was used in the study design. Quality assessment and data abstraction were guided by a standardized procedure and performed independently by two authors. RESULTS Only six studies fitting the inclusion criteria were identified in our search and only two of these used a trial design with a contemporary community control. Neither of the high quality evaluation studies showed an effect from the intervention and while authors of the remaining studies reported effective falls prevention programmes, the pre- and post-intervention design, uncontrolled for background secular trends, makes causal inferences from these studies difficult. CONCLUSION There is a paucity of research studies from which evidence regarding the effectiveness of community-based intervention programmes for the prevention of fall-related injury in children could be based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod McClure
- Epidemiology and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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