Although unintentional injury is the leading cause of death for all children it exacts a disproportionately high toll among economically disadvantaged and minority children. Children from low income and minority families are twice as likely to die in a car crash, four times more likely to die from drowning, and five times more likely to die in a fire. The purpose of this case-control study was to develop and evaluate a 6-week classroom curriculum for children and educational programs for adult caregivers and teachers. A Family Safety Fair was conducted at each intervention school. Data collection included pre- and postprogram observation of pedestrian behaviors and occupant restraint usage, parent and teacher questionnaires,and testing of children's injury awareness and knowledge. Results: The classroom curriculum was very effective in teaching recognition of dangers and appropriate safety behaviors (study:84.7%; control:72.4%; p=0.0004). Safe pedestrian behaviors increased significantly at intervention schools (p=0.013). There were no significant postprogram restraint use differences among drivers (p=0.06) or children (p=0.07). Although 97% of parents report that their child usually uses a safety seat, only 16.8% were observed to do so. Conclusions: Head Start is a family-empowering program which provides an infrastructure for delivering injury prevention messages to all age groups. The children's curriculum was very effective in all areas. However, six weeks may not provide sufficient time to raise adult awareness and appreciation of the need for child passenger restraint.
Learning Objectives: From this presentation the learner will: 1. Develop an understanding of the barriers experienced by low income families to use of injury prevention devices; 2. Identify the complexities associated with effective injury prevention programs addressing economically disadvantaged populations; 3. Recognize the increased risk for injury and need for injury prevention in this population
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.