Citation

Hammig B, Jozkowski K. Prev. Med. 2015; 74: 9-13.

Affiliation

Community Health Promotion, University of Arkansas, 306 HPER Building , Fayetteville, AR 72701.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.02.001

PMID

25668219

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: There is increasing emphasis on preventive care delivery among primary care providers. In accordance, health education approaches have been shown to positively influence patients' behavior. As injuries are the leading public health problem among youth, primary care providers may play a critical role in the prevention of unintentional injuries among their pediatric populations.

METHOD: Data from the 2007-2010 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) were used to examine patient visits presenting to physicians' offices with unintentional injuries. Prevalence of the delivery of injury prevention counseling was assessed, as were factors associated with the provision of injury prevention education.

RESULTS: Findings indicated that injury prevention counseling was low. Overall, 14.6% of patients presenting with an unintentional injury received injury prevention counseling. Gender differences were notable, with 8% of injured girls receiving injury education compared to 18% of boys.

RESULTS of multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed odds of injury counseling to be 2.4 times more likely among boys when compared to girls [OR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.2-4.6)] CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that physician counseling about injury prevention was low. Reasons for the findings are discussed, as are issues related to gender differences in injury risk and prevention.

Language: en