PEDIATRICS Vol. 83 No. 5 May 1989, pp. 766-771
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Liquid-Crystal Thermometer Use in Pediatric Office Counseling About Tap Water Burn Prevention

Murray L. Katcher MD, PhD1, Gregory L. Landry MD1, and Mary Melvin Shapiro MA1

1 The Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Center for Health Sciences, Madison

Tap water scald burns are an important topic of injury prevention in pediatricians' offices. Consecutive pediatric clinic clients, randomized to two groups, received an informational pamphlet, a one-minute discussion about tap water safety, and a baseline questionnaire. The first group also received a liquid-crystal thermometer for testing maximum hot tap water temperature. One month later in a follow-up telephone interview (n = 503), the impact of the added thermometer on knowledge regarding scalding, temperature testing, and thermostat lowering was assessed. Approximately 80% of each group read the pamphlet. Reading the pamphlet was associated with greater temperature testing in the thermometer (T) group but not in the pamphlet only (P) group. Temperatures were checked by 46.4% of the T group but by only 23.0% of the P group (P < .001). In the households in which the reported water temperature exceeded 54.4°C (130°F) and the water heater was accessible, 77.3% reported lowering the setting, independent of receiving the thermometer. The reliability of selfreported water temperature was assessed after 1 year by home visits. The use of relevant facilitating devices, such as a liquid-crystal thermometer, in-office anticipatory guidance efforts may increase behavioral compliance.

Key Words: injury control • health education • anticipatory guidance • tap water scald • burn

Submitted on February 19, 1988
Accepted on April 1, 1988




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