Injury is one of seven causes of death which as a group account for more than 80% of the excess mortality observed among minority populations in the US. National attention is currently focused on the role of faith-based communities in delivering health education and services to underserved minorities. A partnership between faith organizations and the health system has been demonstrated to be successful in addressing hypertension, cardiovascular disease, nutrition, HIV, prostate screening, and other health issues. This study examines the effectiveness of an injury prevention program administered through African-American churches in collaboration with four community organizations. The program includes a scripture-based Sunday School curriculum, Safety Fairs, and programs for teens, parents, and grandparents. A nationally acclaimed children's theater company has developed an original Afro-centric theatrical production addressing passenger safety to be presented at the churches. A controlled trial design is employed to evaluate the overall program. Seven study and seven control churches have been recruited. Restraint data are collected through observation in parking lots prior to services. Data for other outcomes are collected through pre and post-testing of Sunday School students' knowledge and surveys of teens, parents, and grandparents. Results of pre-program observation (N=1,128) demonstrate restraint use of 57.8% among drivers, 42.8% among adult passengers, and 44.9% among child passengers. Twenty-eight percent of the children under the age of 5 were totally unrestrained. Twenty percent of children were riding in the front seat. It is anticipated that post-program measurements will demonstrate the effectiveness of this faith-based community injury prevention intervention.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the session the participant will be able to: 1. Discuss the excess injury mortality observed within the African-American population; 2. Identify strategies which have not been successful in increasing use of injury prevention devices and behaviors in the African-American population; 3. Describe the value of the faith community in promoting behavioral change.
Keywords: Health Education Strategies, Injury Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
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.