@article{ref1,
title="Taking the plunge: diving risk practices and perceptions of New Zealand youth",
journal="Health promotion journal of Australia",
year="2008",
author="Moran, Kevin",
volume="19",
number="1",
pages="68-71",
abstract="ISSUE ADDRESSED: In New Zealand, spinal cord injuries as a consequence of recreational diving have not been well investigated. From 1989-2004, 58 hospital admissions involved diving-related spinal injury. More than 70% were male and more than one-third (36%) were aged 10-19 years. Little is known, however, about the extent of risky diving beliefs and behaviours underpinning youth aquatic recreation. METHOD: A New Zealand-wide sample of 2,202 Year 11 students completed a written questionnaire under supervision during school time. Diving behaviours and safety attitudes were analysed using a range of sociodemographic variables including gender, socio-economic status and ethnicity. RESULTS: Gender differences in risky behaviour and unsafe attitudes were pronounced, whereas the influence of socio-economic status and ethnic background were less evident. More females than males reported&quot;never diving head first into water of unknown depth&quot;(females 75%, males 59%). More males reported&quot;diving head first knowing that the water was shallow&quot;(males 25%, females 14%). More females disagreed that diving head first into shallow water was acceptable if you knew how to dive (females 82%, males 66%). CONCLUSIONS: Males, students from low decile schools and of Maori and Pacific Island backgrounds were most likely to hold unsafe attitudes towards diving and report risky diving behaviours.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1036-1073",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}