Parents’ awareness and home preventive measures regarding choking of children under six years old

Abstract

Background: : Choking is the obstruction of the airway caused by a foreign object. Choking is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality among young children. Objectives : This study aims to determine the parents’ level of awareness regarding choking and evaluate the relationship between awareness level and home preventive measures. Methods: : A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A non-probability purposive sampling method was employed to collect data from 210 parents of children below 6 years in Al-Hillah city during the period from 06/02/2025 to 01/03/2025, using a developed questionnaire and direct interview technique. Results: : Parents showed a highly sufficient level of awareness regarding choking risks and potential hazards of choking, and their awareness of choking signs and management was sufficient. However, they showed insufficient awareness regarding choking complications. Overall, parents demonstrated a sufficient level of awareness and a high level of home preventive measures. Conclusions : The present study concluded that parents’ level of awareness has a significant positive relationship with parents’ home preventive measures regarding choking in children under 6 years. Additionally, the level of awareness was higher among parents living in urban areas with higher levels of education. Home preventive measures for choking were higher among educated mothers of older age.