Keywords

child safety, community intervention, injury prevention, mobile units, precaution adoption process model

 

Authors

  1. Bulzacchelli, Maria T. PhD
  2. Gielen, Andrea Carlson ScM, ScD
  3. Shields, Wendy C. MPH
  4. McDonald, Eileen M. MS
  5. Frattaroli, Shannon MPH, PhD

Abstract

A mobile safety center (MSC) provided education and reduced-cost safety products to low-income urban families. We evaluated uptake of this service under 3 different conditions, and safety-related knowledge and behavior associated with visiting the MSC among 210 families. Utilization varied widely under the 3 different conditions. At follow-up, MSC visitors scored slightly higher on a knowledge test than nonvisitors and improved more in reported car safety seat use, but did not differ in observed safety product use. This study provides very modest evidence of a positive impact of the MSC when its services are provided at a community health center.