Citation

Farley C, Otis J, Benoit M. Can. J. Public Health 1997; 88(1): 62-66.

Affiliation

Régie régionale de la santé et des services sociaux de la Montérégie, Saint-Hubert, Québec.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Canadian Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9094808

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated a four-year bicycle helmet promotion campaign. METHODS: Children's attitudes, social norms, intentions to wear a bicycle helmet as well as helmet ownership were measured. Evaluation was based on a pre-experimental static group comparison design repeated at two (1991) and four years (1993) after implantation, with a non-randomized control group. 3,424 students completed a self-administered questionnaire (experimental: 2,097, control: 1,327). RESULTS: The program had a significant impact on helmet ownership (1989: 4%; 1991: 26%; 1993: 56%). The program was the principal predictor of high intention to use a bicycle helmet. Time was the principal predictor of ownership with exposure to the program being the next predictor. CONCLUSION: This study showed that time is an important factor in bicycle helmet acquisition, and that a long-term community-based program can accelerate the process of adopting this behaviour.