Work

Caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding household product safety and poisoning prevention in children in Saudi Arabia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Household product poisoning is a common cause of emergency department visits and hospital admissions among children. Global variations reflect socioeconomic disparities and the presence of other contributing factors. This study evaluated caregivers' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding household product safety and childhood poisoning management. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to caregivers across Saudi Arabia between December 2024 and March 2025. The survey collected demographic characteristics and evaluated caregivers' KAP regarding household product poisoning. Total KAP scores and domain-specific scores ≥60% were considered satisfactory. Different respondent groups were compared using logistic regression analyses. Results: 1,917 caregivers completed the survey. Although satisfactory attitude (86%) and practice (87%) scores were high, only 37% of respondents demonstrated satisfactory knowledge about childhood poisoning risks. Higher total KAP and knowledge were associated with healthcare-related employment, higher educational attainment, and having ≥3 children. Conversely, lower KAP outcomes were observed among caregivers who were male or aged <25 years. Respondents reported potentially harmful interventions, indicating misconceptions regarding appropriate poisoning management. Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes and practices, deficiencies remain in caregivers' understanding of household poisoning risk and appropriate management. A long-term approach for improving child safety that integrates behavior, education, technology, and regulation is needed to reduce household childhood poisoning across Saudi Arabia.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1937239

Author: Hanouf S. Bafhaid

Institution: Umm al-Qura University

Language: English

Topic: Poisoning and overdose treatments

Subfield: Emergency Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801