Safety Hazards Education for Mothers Who Are Homeless

Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in children. Unintentional injury is 13% higher among homeless children compared to lower socioeconomic children with housing. Limited understanding of child safety hazards in a constantly changing environment impedes homeless mothers’ ability to ensure their children’s safety.

This scholarly project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of safety hazard education on homeless mothers’ ability in identifying child safety hazards.  Twenty three pregnant or recently delivered mothers participated in a 45-minute interactive educational class focusing on knowledge and perceptions of home safety hazards. Before and after the class, mothers entered a home-like mobile van that provided simulation of hazardous conditions. Child safety hazards were identified and scored by checklists. Subjective feedback was obtained.

Seventeen mothers (20-34 years old) from two homeless shelters in Missouri completed the study. Upon class completion, mothers identified more safety hazards in the areas of the: living room (23% improvement), kitchen (17%), dining room (28%), and bedroom (28%). Overall, a significant improvement was evidenced in the mother’s ability in identifying safety hazards after education (p < .001).  Qualitative data revealed that in addition to an increased awareness, mothers recognized the importance of home assessment and were more confident about protecting their children from home hazards.  They also expressed the desire of more education about safety hazards outside the home.

This project demonstrates a need of a comprehensive child safety hazards education for low income, high risk mothers. Creativity is important in the delivery of educational programs.