Using the extended parallel process model to prevent noise-induced hearing loss among coal miners in Appalachia.
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is the second most self-reported occupational illness or injury in the United States. Among coal miners, more than 90% of the population reports a hearing deficit by age 55. In this formative evaluation, focus groups were conducted with coal miners in Appalachia to ascertain whether miners perceive hearing loss as a major health risk and if so, what would motivate the consistent wearing of hearing protection devices (HPDs). The theoretical framework of the Extended Parallel Process Model was used to identify the miners' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and current behaviors regarding hearing protection. Focus group participants had strong perceived severity and varying levels of perceived susceptibility to hearing loss. Various barriers significantly reduced the self-efficacy and the response efficacy of using hearing protection.
Murray-Johnson
Lisa
L
School of Journalism and Communication, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA. murray-johnson.l@osu.edu
Witte
Kim
K
Patel
Dhaval
D
Orrego
Victoria
V
Zuckerman
Cynthia
C
Maxfield
Andrew M
AM
Thimons
Edward D
ED
D000328:Adult; D001061:Appalachian Region; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003032:Coal Mining; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology