The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68618

Lara B. Trifiletti, PhD, MA¹, Andrea C. Gielen, ScD, ScM, CHES², David A. Sleet, PhD³, and Krista Hopkins, MPH³. (1) Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Center for Injury Research and Policy, Baltimore, MD 21205, 410/614-5554, ltrifile@jhsph.edu, (2) Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, HH-750, Baltimore, MD 21205, (3) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop K65, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341

Advances in behavioral sciences theory and injury control provide opportunities for reducing injuries through increased attention to behavior change research and theory development. The purpose of this research is to assess the extent to which behavioral sciences theory has been applied to injury problems. The goal is to provide program planners and researchers with an easy-to-use summary of theories that have been used most often for understanding behaviors associated with causes of unintentional injury. Systematic review methods were used to evaluate the published literature from 1980-2001. The search strategy identified articles that combined behavioral sciences theories or models and unintentional injury causes through electronic database searches (PubMed and PsycINFO). Study aims, theory or model used, contributions, and key findings were identified using a standardized article review form. Of the 35 articles reviewed, 12 focused on motor vehicle injuries, 10 on bicycle helmet use, 2 on pedestrian injuries, 5 on multiple injury areas, and 6 on other injury areas. The theories used included one or more of the following: Health Belief Model (n=13), Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior (n=23), Protection Motivation Theory (n=1), Social Learning/Social Cognitive Theory (n=9), Community Organization Theory (n=1), Diffusion of Innovation (n=2), PRECEDE PROCEED Model (n=16), and Social Marketing (n=1). More details about study aims, contributions, and key findings will be presented. While the individual areas of behavioral sciences theory and unintentional injury have been well developed over the past two decades, the intersection of these two fields has yet to realize its full potential.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Identify theories most useful for understanding behaviors associated with causes of unintentional injury and
• Recognize the opportunities for reducing injuries through increased attention to behavior change research and theory development.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.