Author/Authors :
B Johnsona, Molly Trauma and Injury Research Center - Dell Children’s Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA , D Boriack, Elizabeth Trauma Services - Dell Children’s Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA , M McConnell, Carlee Trauma Services - Dell Children’s Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA , R Williams, Stewart Trauma Services - Dell Children’s Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA , A Naiditch, Jessica Trauma Services - Dell Children’s Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA , A Lawson, Karla Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care - University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
Abstract :
Background: In the U.S., drowning is a leading cause of death for toddlers. One important layer
of protection against submersion injuries and fatalities is parent or caregiver supervision. The aims
of this study are to explore current supervisory behavior of caregivers, determine how caregivers
view common supervision distractions, like cell phones and grilling, and identify what factors
shape the quality of supervision that is given when swimming with their toddler at a swimming
pool.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used the MTurk online platform to survey 650 caregivers of
toddlers (1-4 yrs old) about their supervision behavior, their drowning knowledge, their
perceptions of arm’s reach supervision, the water competency of their toddler, and other
background information. Regression analysis was used to identify factors that predicted reported
supervision behavior.
Results: The average supervision behavior score for caregivers indicated an attitude between
neutral and disagreement with allowing distractions for themselves while supervising their toddler
in a swimming pool. High water safety knowledge and positive perceptions of arm’s reach
supervision were the biggest predictors of attentive supervision behavior. Having a home pool,
higher education level, and believing their toddler had greater water competency were
predictive of less attentive supervision behavior.
Conclusion: Results suggest that supervision behavior while toddlers are in a swimming pool may
be inadequate. Low water safety knowledge and attitudes about what constitutes quality
supervision are related to pool supervision behavior and changing these may reduce drowning
risk. Caregivers should be encouraged to not reduce supervision as their toddlers gain water
competency and if they have a home pool.
Keywords :
Drowning , Submersion , Water safety , Behavior , Attitudes
