Citation

Moran K. Health Promot. J. Austr. 2008; 19(1): 68-71.

Affiliation

Faculty of Education, University of Auckland, New Zealand. k.moran@auckland.ac.nz

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Australian Health Promotion Association, Publisher CAIRO Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18481936

Abstract

ISSUE ADDRESSED: In New Zealand, spinal cord injuries as a consequence of recreational diving have not been well investigated. From 1989-2004, 58 hospital admissions involved diving-related spinal injury. More than 70% were male and more than one-third (36%) were aged 10-19 years. Little is known, however, about the extent of risky diving beliefs and behaviours underpinning youth aquatic recreation. METHOD: A New Zealand-wide sample of 2,202 Year 11 students completed a written questionnaire under supervision during school time. Diving behaviours and safety attitudes were analysed using a range of sociodemographic variables including gender, socio-economic status and ethnicity. RESULTS: Gender differences in risky behaviour and unsafe attitudes were pronounced, whereas the influence of socio-economic status and ethnic background were less evident. More females than males reported"never diving head first into water of unknown depth"(females 75%, males 59%). More males reported"diving head first knowing that the water was shallow"(males 25%, females 14%). More females disagreed that diving head first into shallow water was acceptable if you knew how to dive (females 82%, males 66%). CONCLUSIONS: Males, students from low decile schools and of Maori and Pacific Island backgrounds were most likely to hold unsafe attitudes towards diving and report risky diving behaviours.

Language: en