PEDIATRIC BURN PREVENTION - AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF A STRATEGY TO REDUCE TAP WATER TEMPERATURE IN A POPULATION AT RISK FOR SCALDS

Abstract

The efficacy of a strategy to prevent tap water scalds was evaluated in a population at risk. Educational pamphlets and liquid crystal thermometers for testing water temperature were distributed to 12 families, each of which had at least one child under the age of 3 and one child over the age of 3. Participants were visited individually by an investigator who monitored tap water temperature in a standardized manner and personally provided the educational material. No statistically significant decrease in hot water temperature occurred as a result of the intervention. The number of heaters operating at a safe temperature was not statistically different pre- and postintervention. Whether participants altered their thermostat settings or not, there was a tendency to maintain postintervention settings at 1-month follow-up. Capitalizing on this tendency by installing heaters at preset safe temperatures was discussed, as were changes in heater design and areas for additonal research.