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This research delves into the patterns of change table injuries in infants and assesses parental knowledge and perception of risks associated with change tables. By analyzing injury data and surveying parents, the study aims to identify intervention opportunities and potential standards to improve infant safety on change tables. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness, education campaigns, and possibly new standards to mitigate fall-related injuries on change tables.
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Change table-related injuries: Patterns, parental knowledge and implications for regulators Dr Kirsten Vallmuur and Ms Kim Vuong CRICOS No. 00213J
Background • Change tables are a leading cause of fall-related injuries in infants across the world • There are European and USA standards, but no voluntary/mandatory standards in Australia • 60% of change tables sold in Australia were not recommended for purchase by CHOICE testing
Aims of Research • Describe change table injury patterns in infants • Assess parents perception’s of risk and knowledge about change table standards • Identify intervention opportunities (including standards/education campaigns)
Methods • Analysis of injury data from emergency departments for Qld infants over last 8 years • Survey of parents to assess their knowledge, risk perception, attitudes and beliefs about change tables
45% of all patients aged between 5-9m Over 2/3 of all patients aged under 1year old
Survey of parents: Characteristics • Number of participants = 111 • 60% first time parents • 84% own a change table • 2/3 use the change table most of the time to change nappies
Survey of parents: Safety risks • 11% of parents indicated baby had an accident on change table • Over half intended to keep one hand on the baby at all times on change table • 82% agreed that a change table accident would cause a serious injury to their infant
Survey of parents: Knowledge • Two-thirds of parents thought there were mandatory standards for change tables • Parents indicated the following factors were considerations in assessing change table safety: • height of sides • headboard at back • sturdiness of design • presence of safety harnesses • ease of access to wipes/diapers • presence of wheels • BUT, can they accurately evaluate products?
47% parents thought NOT safe Parent’s views compared to CHOICE testing results 73% parents thought NOT safe 29% parents thought NOT safe
Recommendations for regulators/industry: Standards • While standards exist elsewhere, falls from change tables still a leading cause of injury internationally – Is there a better design solution or is it all about consumers behaviour? • Need to identify designs which reduce the risk of babies rolling off/falling from tables while not increasing the risk of entrapment/strangulation of the child and not increasing risk of back strain to carer • Note that a submission to develop an Australian/New Zealand Standard is currently being considered
Recommendations for regulators/industry: Education • Raise parent’s awareness about how to accurately evaluate safety of current products • Understand influences underpinning the enactment of safety behaviour • Understand how consumers behave when seeking out products • Improve parent’s knowledge about lack of standards • Change consumer perception that all products are inherently ‘safe’ • Increase supervision intentions
FURTHER INFORMATION: Consumer product-related injuries in Queensland children : A snapshot of current problem areas for potential action. 2013. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/58389/ Feasibility of using health data sources to inform product safety surveillance in Queensland : a report for the Queensland Injury Prevention Council. 2011. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/46518/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Associate Supervisors: Ioni Lewis and Angela Watson Consumer Product Injury Research Advisory Group (CPIRAG) EMAIL: k.vallmuur@qut.edu.au CRICOS No. 00213J