Evaluation of a subsidy program to increase bicycle helmet use by children of low-income families.
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| Title: | Evaluation of a subsidy program to increase bicycle helmet use by children of low-income families. |
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| Authors: | Parkin PC (AUTHOR), Hu X (AUTHOR), Spence LJ (AUTHOR), Kranz KE (AUTHOR), Shortt LG (AUTHOR), Wesson DE (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Pediatrics. Aug95 Part 1of 2, Vol. 96 Issue 2, p283-287. 5p. |
| Abstract: | OBJECTIVE. We have previously shown that an educational program was not effective in increasing bicycle helmet use in children of low-income families. The objective of this study was to evaluate a combined educational and helmet subsidy program in the same population, while controlling for secular trends. The secondary objective was to complete a third year of surveying children's bicycle helmet use throughout the study community. DESIGN. A prospective, controlled, before-and-after study. SUBJECTS. Bicycling children 5 to 14 years of age from areas of low average family income. SETTING. A defined geographic community within a large urban Canadian city. INTERVENTION. In April 1992, students in three schools located in the area of lowest average family income were offered $10 helmets and an educational program; three other low-income areas served as control areas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE. Helmet use was determined by direct observation of more than 1800 bicycling children. RESULTS. Nine hundred ten helmets were sold to a school population of 1415 (64%). Reported helmet ownership increased from 10% to 47%. However, observed helmet use in the low-income intervention area was no different from the rate in the three low-income control areas (18% versus 19%). There was no difference in the trend in helmet use during the period of 1990 through 1992 in the intervention area (4% to 18%) compared with the control areas (3% to 19%). Helmet use rates from all income areas have increased from 3.4% in 1990, to 16% in 1991, to 28% in 1992. In 1992, helmet use in the high-income areas was 48% and in the low-income areas was 20%. CONCLUSIONS. There has been a trend toward increasing helmet use in all income areas during the 3-year period. Despite encouraging helmet sales and increases in reported helmet ownership, the results of the observational study do not support the efficacy of a helmet subsidy program in increasing helmet use in children residing in areas of low average family income. Strategies to increase helmet use in children of low average family income remain a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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