ArticlesPartnering for injury prevention: Evaluation of a curriculum-based intervention program among elementary school children*
Section snippets
Review of the literature
School health education is one of the most important ways to address enduring public health problems, such as injury (Institute of Medicine, 1997; Polivka & Ryan-Wenger, 1999; Public Health Service, 1994). Several curricular interventions have been successful in influencing behaviors, such as reducing rates of tobacco and alcohol use among youth and decreasing unintentional pregnancies (Connell & Turner, 1985; Pentz et al., 1989; Vincent, Clearie, & Schluchter, 1987). Schall (1994) suggests
Methodology
A randomized pretest and posttest comparative design was used for this study, the school being the unit of assignment. The study was conducted in two urban school districts in San Diego County, California. The data were collected within the classroom setting for both the intervention and control schools.
Results
There were 2,465 student participants for the pretests and posttests. Statistical analysis was restricted to the 1,977 students who had linked pretests and posttests (80% match) (grade 1, 697; grade 2, 639; and grade 3, 641). The attrition rate of 20% was caused by absenteeism resulting in a missed pretest or posttest. Regarding participant ethnicity 52% were white, 16% African American, 18% Hispanic, and 3% Asian. All grades showed diverse racial/ethnic representation. The intervention and
Discussion
The TFFK study provides data on the baseline level of knowledge and behavior relating to safety among a diverse elementary school population in San Diego County. The data shows that students at all grade levels lack some basic knowledge that would help them reduce their risk of injury, and that many students are engaging in unsafe behaviors that put them at high risk. Multivariate analysis shows that students receiving the TFFK intervention had significantly greater improvements in posttest
Conclusion
Children in grades 1, 2, and 3 often lack basic knowledge about safety and do not recognize behaviors considered high risk for injury. Defining baseline profiles of knowledge and recognition, which varied by race/ethnic group, will help one to become efficient in the use of prevention resources. The data shows that even in states that have implemented bicycle helmet laws and have high visibility water sports, such as California, there are new concepts provided in the TFFK curriculum that
Acknowledgements
We are indebted to the San Diego Unified and Santee School Districts for the staff time and willingness to participate in this study. We would also like to thank the National Think First Foundation for its support.
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Address reprint requests to Dorothy L. Zirkle, RN, MSN, Sharp HealthCare/Grossmont Hospital, 5555 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942. E-Mail: [email protected]