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Citation |
Hall M, Cross D, Howat P, Stevenson MR, Shaw T. Inj. Control Safety Promot. 2004; 11(3): 165-174. |
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Affiliation |
Child Health Promotion Research Unit Edith Cowan University Perth Western Australia, Australia. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2004, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
15764103 |
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Abstract |
Objectives. Bicycle-related injury remains a major cause of death and injury hospitalization among Australian children. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a whole-school intervention to increase the correct wearing of bicycle helmets by primary school children. Methods. A randomized intervention trial was conducted in 27 Western Australian primary schools. A major component of the intervention was a peer-led classroom curriculum for 10-12 year old children. Helmet use by cyclists was observed as children were leaving school at baseline (May 2000) and after the first year and second year of the intervention. A cohort of 10-11 year old children in study schools completed a self-administered questionnaire at the same three data collection points. Results. Over the 2 years of the study, observed helmet wearing rates declined by 13% in the control group (from 93% at baseline to 80% at post-test 2) and by 5% in the intervention group (from 89% to 84%) (F = 1.745, p = 0.185). Among the Grade 5/6 cohort students who were regular riders, the likelihood of reporting always wearing a helmet was 1.9 times higher at post-test 1 (z = 2.51, p = 0.012) and 1.7 times higher at post-test 2 (z = 2.13, p = 0.033) for the intervention group than the control group students who did not always wear a helmet at baseline. Conclusions. The data suggest that school-based activities can arrest the rate of decline in helmet use by children. Using peer teachers is a useful strategy to engage students in normative-based protective behaviours. The logistical challenges this strategy presents appear to be worth the outcomes. |