Parent awareness of the dangers of ingested magnets in children
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Parent and caregiver awareness of the dangers of magnet ingestion in children: a cross-sectional study
IRAS ID
336069
Contact name
Nigel Hall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Swallowing magnets can cause significant harm to children. Due to the increased availability of high-power, small magnets in toys and educational materials marketed for children, the ingestion of magnetics is increasing. Prevention children swallowing magnets is key to reducing the need for hospital care and invasive treatments. Previous research has identified that swallowed magnets are most commonly found in toys and games, and purchased by parents. Therefore, parents and caregivers are a group where increased awareness of the harm magnets cause may lower the incidence of problems. In order to improve parent/caregiver awareness of the dangers of magnet ingestion, an understanding of parents/caregivers’ knowledge and perceptions of the dangers of magnet ingestion is required. This study aims to assess this baseline knowledge in parents/caregivers.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0106
Date of REC Opinion
1 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion