The Prevalence of Child Play in Natural Water Ways and How it Relates to Health
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of children playing near natural waterways and the contaminants they may be exposed to by their requisite need for play.
Background and significance
One area of environmental concern is contamination in natural waterways. Contamination can be related to toxins such heavy metals, pesticides, man-made organic chemicals, or bacteria. Such contaminants are known to have lasting effects on human health. Children are at elevated risk for exposure to environmental contaminants due to their smaller body habitus, developmental stage, requisite for active play, social environment, and eating habits. Nursing actions can address health concerns for families whose children play in these environments as their children have limited self-care capabilities. The prevalence of children playing around natural waterways is unexplored in the literature.
Theoretical/Conceptual framework
This study is guided by Orem’s self-care deficit theory.
Method
This study will use a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. A retrospective convenience sample of young adults between the ages of 18 to 30 years will be anonymously surveyed via social media regarding their childhood memories of playing around natural waterways alone and with others. Demographics will be queried. SPSS data analysis will consist of correlational and regression analysis.
Results
TBD
Conclusions
Assessing outdoor water play as an environmental concern is not part of pediatric nursing guidelines. With known situations of environmental contaminants, and their effect on children, establishing the prevalence of children playing near natural waterways could lead to the addition of environmental assessment questions for pediatric nursing.
The Prevalence of Child Play in Natural Water Ways and How it Relates to Health