Abstract:

Introduction: Accidents are one of the main causes of mortality in the world, and its prevention is an essential issue. On the other hand, accidents are a major cause of mortality during childhood especially during infancy. The study of mortality rate in four provinces in Iran showed that 60.2% of all 1-59 month old mortality occurs in 1-11 month old age group and the second cause of mortality is accident in this age. The most common accidents are burn, suffocation, poisoning and brain injury which can occur in different places.

Results: Findings indicated that most samples (in city and village respectively had satisfactory practice in preventing aspiration (97.7% and 88%), poisoning (87.2% and 86.6%), self-injury (80% and 68.8%). In regard to preventing falls, both group had unsatisfactory practice. Most parents in city (53.6%), in comparison with villagers (36.6%) had better practice preventing burns. Overall most parents in city (59.2%) had more satisfactory practice in comparison with parents in villages (40%).

Conclusion: In attention to this point that most injuries are due to parents'  neglect and carelessness, lack of parents^' knowledge, crowded family, huge or very small houses especially in villages, it is recommended that parents become more aware of children’s developmental stages in order to prevent physical, emotional and economic burdens.

Key words: Practice, Parents, Prevention, Accidents