Paper
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Health Promotion and Farm Safety for Children Living on Farms
Alice E. Conway, PhD, CRNP, BC, Amy J. McClune, PhD, RN, BC, LeeAnn Lawson, MSN, CRNP, and Patricia L. Nosel, MN, RN. Nursing Department, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA, USA
| Learning Objective #1: Identify risk factors for children living or working on farms |
| Learning Objective #2: Identify needed health resources for children living or working on farms |
Objective: Agriculture ranks as the most dangerous industry in the U.S. Annually over 100,000 children are injured; 100 die in farm related accidents. Although Pennsylvania ranks 6th nationally in total population, it ranks 1st in rural residents. This pilot study identified health promotion and farm safety knowledge for children. Design: Pender’s Health Promotion Model was the framework for the development of a survey of primary care provider’s knowledge of health promotion and farm safety for children. Content validity was established by a panel of 4 APRNs. Sample: Surveys were mailed to 100 health care practitioners of all levels in NW Pennsylvania. Reminder cards were sent 2 weeks after the initial mailing. Variables: Variables included demographics; number and type of injuries; and awareness and inclusion of injury prevention regarding farm safety. Methods: Data analysis included descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings: The survey return rate was 22%. 31% of the children seen lived or worked on farms. 17% sustained farm injuries in the last 2 years that included lacerations and musculoskeletal injuries caused by animals, muscular strain, and machinery. One mortality was reported. One child required extensive surgery. 50% of the primary practices sought information on employment and residence. 20% provided relevant information. 14% were aware of materials. 73% indicated interest in receiving materials. Conclusions: In NW Pennsylvania, there are a substantial number of practitioners who provide care to farm children. Children sustained a significant number of farm injuries. Additional health promotion resources to assist in reducing the risk of farm injuries are indicated. Implications: A wider sample of practitioners is needed to validate these findings. There is a need to explore the available farm related health promotion resources, develop additional resources to fill the need, and distribute the resources to front-line health practitioners who routinely care for farm children.
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