The Role of Residential Area in House Safety in Mashhad Urban Area in 2009

Home safety plays an important role in community health, especially when it comes to children and elderly. This study aimed to determine the role of residential area in home safety. In this cross-sectional study, 459 houses in the central area and outskirt of Mashhad were chosen based on cluster sampling. Home safety was assessed using the safety questionnaire of the national plan for prevention of domestic accidents. The questionnaire assesses five parts which are kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, balcony and roof, and the staircase. The overall home safety score and scores of its five sections were calculated according to the questionnaire guide. Demographic factors including gender, marital status, occupation, number of household and educational level were also recorded. The two groups of houses had different safety scores in rooms and bathroom sections, in addition their external safety scores (balconies, courtyards, rooftops and parking) was different (p<0.001). Among the demographic factors, gender and education of the head of the household played an important role, i.e. the female gender and education level of less than high school diploma were associated with decreased home safety in both central and outskirt regions; the decrease was more significant in the outskirts. Safety of houses is affected by the region. Therefore, monitoring constructions especially in outskirts is essential. Strengthening foundations that support women headed households and increasing the level of public information can play an important role in promoting home safety.