309596
Model School Zone Pilot Project in Ten Countries
Methods: The project was implemented in three phases over an 18 month period. During Phase I, grantees selected a school based on specific criteria and conducted a baseline/needs assessment. Project and research tools included school zone infrastructure assessment tool, student knowledge and behavior surveys, participatory research tools and parent surveys. In Phase II, grantees implemented interventions based on the needs and risks identified. Interventions focused on permanent infrastructure changes but also included education and advocacy initiatives. In Phase III, grantees evaluated effectiveness of interventions.
Results:Behavioral surveys with 1,606 children showed that most walk to and from school, most walk alone, and most do not feel safe while walking near their schools. Baseline parent surveys revealed that more than half felt uncomfortable letting their child walk to school, with speed of cars the highest rated concern. Permanent modifications were made to environments around 10 schools in 10 countries. The interventions showed behavior and injury change in participating communities. In Vietnam, for example, the number of fatalities in the community decreased by three fold.
Conclusion: The results of the project showed that the methodology is replicable across low-, middle- and high- income countries, and can lead to better infrastructure, road user behaviors and health outcomes.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programsConduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Learning Objectives:
Discuss results, best practices and lessons learned from implementing the Model School Zone project in 10 countries.
Explain phases of the Model School Zone methodology and how to utilize the tools in various communities.
Keyword(s): Children and Adolescents, International Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Priti Gautam manages Safe Kids Worldwide’s international pedestrian safety program that operates in nine countries outside of the United States. She has more than 5 years of experience in global health related program planning, evaluation and research. Priti gave an oral presentation on this topic at the 2013 Walk21 Conference and 2013 iRAP Global Innovation Workshop at the World Bank.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.