Many effective injury protection devices are available, but their full effectiveness is limited by human behavior. For example, residential fires are a preventable cause of death for children and older adults. Homes with smoke alarms have about half as many fire-related deaths as homes without smoke alarms. Unfortunately, although about 87 percent of homes have a working smoke alarm, only 16 percent of residents have developed and practiced escape plans to help them respond when the alarm sounds. This project was designed to develop behavioral models for use in guiding programs to address the behavioral limitations associated with three injury protection devices: Smoke alarms, bicycle helmets, and child safety seats. For each device, an extensive review of the literature was conducted to identify behavioral constructs that contributed to use of the device. After identifying the constructs for each device, a panel of experts knowledgeable in the behavioral aspects of that device was convened. This panel reviewed the behavioral constructs, identified the primary target behavior to be addressed by programs, and incorporated the constructs into a behavioral model for use by program personnel in designing programs. Using the primary target behavior of "developing and practicing a home fire escape plan," we will present the model proposed for assisting programs to address this issue. We will also discuss gaps in the research, selection of the target behavior, the application of theories of behavior, and issues involved in initiating versus maintaining behaviors associated with developing and practicing a home fire escape plan.
Learning Objectives: 1) Discuss the behaviors associated with effective use of a smoke alarm. 2) Prioritize the steps an individual must take to develop and practice a fire escape plan. 3) Apply the model presented to the behaviors of developing and practicing an escape plan. 4) Identify program activities that would help to achieve the steps of the model.
Keywords: Injury Prevention, Behavioral Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Association of Schools of Public Health
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.