 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Rebekah R. Rhoades, MPH and Laura A. Beebe, PhD. Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O.Box 26901, CHB 309, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, (405) 271-2229, rebekah-rhoades@ouhsc.edu
Problem: Ethics regarding informed consent and the need for complete, unbiased data oftentimes appear at odds. Survey administration in schools is considered a prime venue for researching adolescent issues. If conducted by an academic institution, participation will likely require active parental consent. Response rates will be affected, and the possibility of non-participants being those at highest risk is of concern. Methods: Evaluation of the Schools for Healthy Lifestyles (SHL) program has been conducted for three consecutive years. The study population comprised schools participating in the program as well as controls. Fourth and fifth graders completed a questionnaire regarding health attitudes, knowledge and behavior. An academic institution, requiring active consent, administered the questionnaire during year one. In year two, district administration gave permission to SHL personnel to collect data without parental consent. Year three data were collected with an active consent requirement. Results: In year one, intervention schools had a response rate of 81% versus 53% at control schools. The study population comprised 66.5% intervention students and 33.5% control students compared to 53.7% and 46.3%, respectively, in year two. Between years, ever use of alcohol increased 30.1% in intervention schools and 44.3% in controls. Both intervention and controls reported 31% increases in ever use of cigarettes. Year three data will be discussed. Conclusions: Reported use of alcohol and cigarettes increased more than one would expect over one year's time. When planning programs based upon data collected under active consent requirements, one must consider selection bias and under-estimation of high-risk behaviors.
Learning Objectives:
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.