@article{ref1,
title="Validity of smoke alarm self-report measures and reasons for over-reporting",
journal="Injury prevention",
year="2012",
author="Stepnitz, Rebecca L. and Shields, Wendy and McDonald, Eileen M. and Gielen, Andrea Carlson",
volume="18",
number="5",
pages="298-302",
abstract="ObjectivesMany residential fire deaths occur in homes with no or non-functioning smoke alarms (SAs). Self-reported SA coverage is high, but studies have found varying validity for self-report measures. The authors aim to: (1) determine over-reporting of coverage, (2) describe socio-demographic correlates of over-reporting and (3) report reasons for over-reporting.MethodsThe authors surveyed 603 households in a large, urban area about fire safety behaviours and then tested all SAs in the home. 23 participants who over-reported their SA coverage were telephoned and asked about why they had misreported.ResultsFull coverage was reported in 70% of households but observed in only 41%, with a low positive predictive value (54.2%) for the self-report measure. Most over-reporters assumed alarms were working because they were mounted or did not think a working alarm in a basement or attic was needed to be fully protected.ConclusionsIf alarms cannot be tested, researchers or those counselling residents on fire safety should carefully probe self-reported coverage. Our findings support efforts to equip more homes with hard-wired or 10 year lithium battery alarms to reduce the need for user maintenance.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1353-8047",
doi="10.1136/injuryprev-2011-040193",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2011-040193"
}