[Road traffic injuries among youth: measuring the impact of an educational intervention].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the impact of an educative intervention intended to increase the knowledge of causes and risk factors associated with road traffic iinjries in the city of Cuernavaca.


METHODS
A quasi-experimental study design was administered to students from 16 to 19 years old in colleges and universities in the city of Cuernavaca. The educative intervention included radio spots, banners, pamphlets, posters and cards. The measure of impact was established as changes in knowledge about speed, alcohol and the use of seat belts, using factor analysis methodologies.


RESULTS
A significant change in the level of knowledge (p= 0.000) was observed in 700 students from 16 institutions.


CONCLUSIONS
Educative interventions represent an initial strategy for changes in knowledge and population behaviours. The present study offers an appropriate methodology to measure short-term changes in knowledge about risk factors associated with a significant problem affecting Mexican youth.
Hidalgo-Solórzano
Elisa
E
Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Morelos, México.
Híjar
Martha
M
Mora-Flores
Gerardo
G
Treviño-Siller
Sandra
S
Inclán-Valadez
Cristina
C
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*