Journal article
An Intervention to Reduce Kerosene-Related Burns and Poisonings in Low-Income South African Communities
Health psychology, Vol.28(4), pp.493-500
07/01/2009
DOI: 10.1037/a0014531
PMID: 19594274
Abstract
Objective:
Unintentional injury rates in low- and middle-income countries are up to 50 times higher than high-income nations. In South Africa, kerosene (paraffin) is a leading cause of poisoning and burns, particularly in low-income communities where it serves as a primary fuel for light, cooking, and heating. This study tested a community-based intervention to reduce kerosene-related injury risk. The intervention used a train-the-trainers model, whereby expert trainers train local paraprofessionals, who in turn deliver educational materials to community residents. The intervention was theory-driven, pragmatically motivated, and culturally sensitive.
Design:
Prospective quasi-experimental intervention design with nonequivalent case versus control groups.
Main Outcome Measures:
Three primary outcome measures were considered: self-reported knowledge of kerosene safety, observed practice of safe kerosene use, and self-reported recognition of risk for kerosene-related injury.
Results:
ANOVA models suggest a large and significant increase in self-reported kerosene-related knowledge in the intervention community compared to the control community. There were smaller, but statistically significant changes, in kerosene-related safety practices and recognition of kerosene injury risk in the intervention community compared to the control community.
Conclusion:
The intervention was successful. A train-the-trainers model might be an effective educational tool to reduce kerosene-related injury risk in low-income communities within low- and middle-income countries.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- An Intervention to Reduce Kerosene-Related Burns and Poisonings in Low-Income South African Communities
- Creators
- David C Schwebel - University of Alabama at BirminghamDehran Swart - The Paraffin Safety Association of Southern AfricaJennifer Simpson - University of Alabama at BirminghamSiu-kuen Azor Hui - University of Alabama at BirminghamPhumla Hobe - The Paraffin Safety Association of Southern Africa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Health psychology, Vol.28(4), pp.493-500
- DOI
- 10.1037/a0014531
- PMID
- 19594274
- NLM abbreviation
- Health Psychol
- ISSN
- 0278-6133
- eISSN
- 1930-7810
- Publisher
- American Psychological Association
- Number of pages
- 8
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/01/2009
- Academic Unit
- Research Administration
- Record Identifier
- 9984949198602771
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