The primary aim of this study was to identify an explore risk factors for pediatric injury within a rural Roma community in Cluj county, Romania. The descriptive study pursues a cross-sectional design, with a qualitative strategy of inquiry. It employed a mix of ethnographic and epidemiologic methods, with data collected from an array of sources, using participant observations, interviews (individual and group interviews), and medical data. The main hazards identified in the community were burned risks due to unprotected and accessible metal stoves, CO intoxications due to inadequate heating systems, fire and electric shocks due to loose electric wires, cuts and puncture wounds due to unsupervised tools and metal garbage, bite wounds from stray dogs, as well as road traffic injuries. As a follow-up, the CHPPH together with international collaborators is working at the development of a child injury hazard assessment instrument to be employed in rural, underserved areas.

Specific objectives:

• to establish a model for assessing pediatric injury risk factors in Roma communities and explore the possibility of replication in similar contexts
• to develop a community-based, culturally responsive intervention to prevent injury in the studied region