Knowledge,attitude, and chemical safety practices among caregivers of children in Kampala city; a mixed methods study

Abstract

Household chemical products are widely used and these pose potential risks to young children due to accidental exposure and associated adverse effects. Despite caregivers being primarily responsible for ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of children, there is limited understanding of the gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices on household chemical safety among these caregivers. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach embedded in a mixed-methods sequential explanatory study design to explore knowledge, attitude, and chemical safety practices among 385 caregivers of children. Over 67.8% (261) of caregivers exhibited poor chemical safety practices. Poor chemical safety practices were higher among caregivers aged 25-35 years (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio, APR: 1.22, 95% CI: (1.00-1.50)). Furthermore, awareness of the predisposing practices of exposure to HCPs (APR: 0.83, 95%CI: (0.71-0.96), p=0.017), knowing whether chemical poisoning could be prevented or not (APR: 0.81, 95%CI: (0.67-0.97), p=0.027), routinely checking product labels for warnings and instructions (APR: 0.83, 95% CI: (0.73-0.95), p=0.009), agreeing that proper ventilation was necessary when using household chemicals (APR: 0.83, 95% CI: (0.73-0.95), p=0.009), and feeling confident to respond effectively in case of a chemical poisoning emergency (APR: 0.82, 95%CI: (0.72-0.93), p=0.003) was inversely associated with poor chemical safety practices. In conclusion, caregivers of children exhibited poor chemical safety practices. There is a need for enhanced investment in health education training programs on chemical safety.