Online Program

278714
Distribution and evaluation of a carbon monoxide detector intervention in two settings: Pediatric emergency department and urban community


Wednesday, November 6, 2013 : 9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Lara B. McKenzie, PhD, MA, Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
Kristin Roberts, MS, MPH, The Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Insitute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
Erica Fletcher, MPH, Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
Wendy C. Shields, MPH, Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Eileen McDonald, MS, Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Elise Perry, MHS, Center for Injury Research and Policy, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Andrea C. Gielen, ScD, ScM, Center for Injury Research and Policy, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Objective: To describe changes in carbon monoxide (CO) safety knowledge and observed CO detector use following distribution of an educational tool (Fast Facts about Carbon Monoxide) paired with a CO detector.

Methods: The identical intervention was distributed in two settings (distribution varied): a pediatric emergency department (Ohio) and door-to-door in an urban community (Maryland). Changes in CO safety knowledge (as measured by the average of correct responses at enrollment and 6-months post intervention) and observed use (installation, location, and functionality) of CO detectors at 6-months post intervention were evaluated.

Results: A total of 301 participants completed the 6-month follow-up (OH: n=125; MD: n=176). The majority of participants were female; 25-34 years of age; employed full or part time; and reported living at their current residence for >2 years. CO safety knowledge did not differ between settings at enrollment, but was significantly different at follow-up. Ohio participants were more likely to have the study CO detector installed at the 6-month follow-up. The majority of the study CO detectors observed were functional and installed in the correct location. Of those with CO detectors at follow-up, the majority had not replaced the back-up battery.

Conclusions: The success of the intervention varied between settings and distribution methods. CO safety knowledge was better among the Ohio sample (more improvement in knowledge from enrollment to follow-up) and CO detector use (installation, location and functionality) was significantly better at follow-up. However, all participants could benefit from improved battery replacement messages or reminders.

Learning Areas:

Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe changes in carbon monoxide (CO) safety knowledge and observed CO detector use following distribution of an educational tool (Fast Facts about Carbon Monoxide) paired with a CO detector delivered in a pediatric emergency department and door-to-door in an urban setting.

Keyword(s): Injury Prevention, Injury

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been researching injuries related to home safety for 5 years at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.