High Prevalence But Low Awareness of Environmental Risks in Home Care: A Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate home environmental risks and caregiver awareness among individuals receiving home healthcare services. Home care settings represent a complex care environment in which patient safety may be compromised by various environmental hazards. Despite the high prevalence of such risks, caregiver awareness and recognition remain limited, which may affect the safety and quality of care delivered in home settings.

The study population consisted of patients who applied to home healthcare services affiliated with a public hospital in Istanbul between January 20 and March 1, 2026, and their caregivers. Participants were evaluated during routine home visits.

Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire and a home environmental risk checklist developed based on existing home safety recommendations. The checklist was used to identify potential environmental hazards within the home setting. In addition, caregivers' awareness of these risks and their perceptions regarding the modifiability of risks were assessed.

Home environmental risks were categorized according to their level of modifiability as easy, moderate, or difficult, based on the type of intervention required. Caregiver-related factors, including prior information, caregiving experience, and sociodemographic characteristics, were also recorded.

The study aimed to describe the frequency of home environmental risks, assess the level of caregiver awareness, and examine factors associated with awareness. In addition, perceived barriers to risk mitigation, such as financial constraints and unsuitable housing conditions, were evaluated to better understand the structural challenges affecting home safety.