SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN: ASSESSMENT OF CAREGIVER ATTITUDES AND PREVENTION PRACTICES IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

Background: Childhood injuries and violence remain important causes of morbidity and mortality among children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Caregivers play a central role in preventing these events through adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate safety practices. However, evidence on caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding childhood injury and violence prevention in Nigerian communities remains limited. This study assessed caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding childhood injury and violence prevention in Okada Community, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 caregivers selected using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices regarding childhood injury and violence. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with KAP. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.050. Results: Although 252 (91.3%) caregivers had previously heard about childhood injury and violence, only 64 (23.2%) demonstrated good knowledge, while 179 (64.9%) had poor knowledge. Physical violence (54.4%) and bullying (52.4%) were the most commonly recognized forms, whereas only 2 caregivers (0.8%) identified neglect. Overall, 194 (70.3%) caregivers demonstrated positive attitudes, and 195 (70.7%) reported good preventive practices. Educational level was independently associated with all three KAP domains, increasing the likelihood of positive attitudes and good prevention practices but showing an inverse association with knowledge. Conclusion: Despite a high general awareness of childhood injury and violence, caregivers had poor comprehensive knowledge. Nevertheless, positive attitudes and preventive practices were common. Targeted health education focusing on specific forms of childhood injury and violence, particularly neglect, together with community-based caregiver education programs is needed to strengthen knowledge and sustain safe preventive practices