The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #39963

Rebeccah Brown, MD, Krista L. Jones, BS, Victor Garcia, MD, Crystal Ricketts, PhD, and Barbara Tuchfarber, RN, MS. Trauma Service, Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229

The “Ride with Pride, Wear a Helmet” program was developed to promote bike helmet use and reduce head injuries in children. The bike safety school-based curriculum addressed brain function, importance of helmet use, proper helmet fit, bike maintenance, rules of the road, and high-risk situations. The program was evaluated by single sample pre/post-test design. Each child completed a bike safety questionnaire prior to and immediately following the program. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests. Two teams of observers (police and study investigators) conducted mobile observations from official police vehicles. Children riding bikes were approached and surveyed regarding helmet use. Paired pre/post-tests were received from 62% of students (N=912). Mean post-test scores increased by 25% over pre-test scores (52% vs. 65%, p<0.0001). Scores improved in all areas: brain function (71%); safe street crossing (35%); correct procedure at stop signs (12%); recognition of high risk situations (24%); replacing helmet after collision (13%); use of hand signals (8%). Self-reported helmet use did not improve after the program (63% vs. 64%). Of the 67 observed, only 3 (4.5%) were wearing a helmet. Fifty-four percent reported owning a helmet. The most common reason for not wearing a helmet was poor fit. This curriculum effectively increases bike safety knowledge among elementary school children. A marked discrepancy between self-reported and observed helmet usage is noted. Police collaboration in conducting mobile observations appears to be an effective methodology for conducting bike helmet observations. Further observational studies are necessary to determine whether increased knowledge translates into increased helmet use.

Learning Objectives:

• The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of a school-based bike safety program for elementary school children (K-3). A secondary objective is to evaluate a new methodology for bike helmet observation via collaboration with local police departments.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.