title: Helmets! All the pros wear them.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the outcome of a multidisciplinary community campaign to increase helmet use and determine the success of a school education and helmet distribution program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Survey research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Large metropolitan area and two elementary schools.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five hundred representative families in a metropolitan area and students enrolled in two elementary schools.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 1-year-long regional media campaign and a helmet distribution program in one elementary school after 4 weeks of safety instruction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Evaluation of the community component 1 year after initiation of the campaign revealed a 23% awareness of the promotion. Factors associated with wearing a helmet in the community included higher income levels, higher level of education, and male sex. The school component survey revealed that 73% of the children in school A reported helmet use vs 23% in school B. This multifaceted approach to affect helmet use demonstrated variable success in our community.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This campaign effort achieved its greatest success in promoting community awareness of the importance of helmet use. However, further studies need to be performed to determine the success of the school education and helmet distribution program.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Allegheny.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Puczynski
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Marshall
mesh_terms: D001642:Bicycling; D002648:Child; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D012449:Safety; D012574:Schools