Article Text
Abstract
Objective: To examine the utilisation-related outcomes associated with visiting the Johns Hopkins CareS (Children are Safe) Mobile Safety Center (MSC), a 40-foot vehicle designed to deliver effective injury prevention interventions and education to low-income urban families.
Design and setting: Utilisation-related data were collected when the MSC was accessible at a community health centre and at community events from August 2004 to July 2006 in Baltimore City.
Subjects: Adults bringing their child for well child care at a community health centre and MSC visitors at community events.
Interventions: Low-cost safety products and free personalised educational services are provided on the MSC, which replicates a home environment and contains interactive exhibits.
Main outcome measures: Perceived benefits of visiting the MSC; products and services received.
Results: MSC visitors (n = 83) and non-visitors (n = 127) did not differ in sociodemographic and injury-related characteristics; 96% of visitors reported learning something new as a result of their visit and 98% would recommend the MSC. During the first 2 years of operation, the MSC made 273 appearances, serving 6086 people. Home child safety products accounted for 71% of the 559 products distributed; educational materials made up 87% of the 7982 services received. Car safety seats accounted for 23% of the products distributed; installations made up 4% of the services received.
Conclusions: This approach to disseminating injury prevention interventions holds promise for enhancing the appeal of safety information and increasing the protection of children.
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Footnotes
The CareS (Children are Safe) Mobile Safety Center Partnership consists of Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, Baltimore City Fire Department, Maryland Science Center, Maryland Institute College of Art, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians, Johns Hopkins Pediatric Trauma Service, Johns Hopkins Children’s Safety Center and Injury Free Coalition for Kids/Baltimore
Competing interests: None.
Ethics approval: Obtained.
Patient consent: Obtained.