Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine the health care management status of preschoolers depending on the children's characteristics.
METHODS
The sample of this study were 212 mothers of preschoolers attending Child-Care-Centers in three cities, Seoul, Daejon, and Suwon, in Korea. A self-administered questionnaire developed by investigators was used to collect data from September 15 to October 31, 2002. Data was analyzed with SPSS 11.5 Win program.
RESULTS
5.7% of the children had not completed their vaccination programs. Children who were second or later birth order showed less complete vaccination rates than firstborn babies. Children who had working mothers showed less complete vaccination rates than those whose mothers did not work. Among the various vaccinations, the DPT and MMR booster vaccination rates were the lowest. Home safety scores were higher when mothers have younger children, higher monthly incomes and reside in apartment type houses. Forty-one(41%) of the preschoolers experienced accidents, and the accident rate was higher in boys and children with easy temperament. The most frequently experienced accident was laceration. Twenty eight point eight percent(28.8%) of the children experienced hospitalization because of various diseases. Most of the mothers perceived their children healthy. However, children who were second or third born were perceived less as healthy. Children in families with less monthly income were perceived as less healthy.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provided basic data about preschoolers' health care management status focusing on vaccinations and accident rates. More attention should be paid to preschoolers' health and safety. Related factors found in this study should be considered when providing anticipatory guidance for parents.