Knowledge, attitude, and factors associated with household chemical safety practices among caregivers of children in Kampala; a mixed methods study

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> To date, there is widespread use of household chemical products. However, more about caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and chemical safety practices needs to be known, as they are primarily responsible for children's safety, health, and well-being. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach embedded in a mixed-methods sequential explanatory study design to explore knowledge, attitude, and chemical safety practices among caregivers of children. Over 67.8% (261/385) of caregivers exhibited poor chemical safety practices. Poor chemical safety practices were associated with being aged 25–35 years (APR: 1.22, 95% CI: (1.00-1.50), p = 0.048), awareness of the practices that increase the risk of exposure to HCPs (APR: 0.83, 95%CI: (0.71–0.96), p = 0.017), knowing whether chemical poisoning could be prevented or not (APR: 0.81, 95%CI: (0.67–0.97), p = 0.027), agreeing to usually checking product labels for warnings and instructions before using HCPs (APR: 0.83, 95% CI: (0.73–0.95), p = 0.009), agreeing that proper ventilation was necessary when using household chemicals (APR: 0.83, 95% CI: (0.73–0.95), p = 0.009), and feeling confident that one can respond effectively in case of a chemical poisoning emergency (APR: 0.82, 95%CI: (0.72–0.93), p = 0.003). Overall, caregivers of children exhibited poor chemical safety practices. There is a need for enhanced investment in health education training programs on chemical safety.