Needs assessment and intervention strategies to reduce lead-poisoning risk among low-income Ohio toddlers.
OBJECTIVE
Examine parental receipt of lead-poisoning prevention information and preferred methods of receiving this information.


METHODS
Cross-sectional mailed survey of parents with children 1-2-year-old-enrolled in Medicaid.


METHODS
Respondents (n=532) were primarily female, white, with at least a high school education, and between the ages of 20-30 years.


METHODS
Items from the Blood Lead Education and Screening Tool concerning parental receipt of lead-poisoning prevention information, persons with whom parents had discussed lead-poisoning prevention, parental receipt of a reminder about blood lead testing, and parents' preferred methods of obtaining lead-poisoning prevention information.


RESULTS
Most respondents had obtained lead-poisoning prevention information, but only 28% reported receiving a reminder to have their child's blood lead level assessed. Brochures and discussions with health care providers were the preferred methods of obtaining lead-poisoning prevention information. More minority respondents preferred receiving information via videos, billboards, and home visits. Younger parents preferred brochures, billboards, and speaking with someone at the health department or women, infants, and children supplemental nutrition (WIC). Most respondents identified multiple means by which they would like to receive lead-poisoning prevention information.


CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of individual, community, and system-level interventions by public health nurses are needed for comprehensive lead-poisoning prevention education.
Polivka
Barbara J
BJ
Ohio State University, College of Nursing, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. polivka.1@osu.edu
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009820:Ohio / Q000453:epidemiology; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires