Taking the plunge: diving risk practices and perceptions of New Zealand youth.
OBJECTIVE
In New Zealand, spinal cord injuries as a consequence of recreational diving have not been well investigated. From 1989-2004, 58 hospital admissions involved diving-related spinal injury. More than 70% were male and more than one-third (36%) were aged 10-19 years. Little is known, however, about the extent of risky diving beliefs and behaviours underpinning youth aquatic recreation.


METHODS
A New Zealand-wide sample of 2,202 Year 11 students completed a written questionnaire under supervision during school time. Diving behaviours and safety attitudes were analysed using a range of sociodemographic variables including gender, socio-economic status and ethnicity.


RESULTS
Gender differences in risky behaviour and unsafe attitudes were pronounced, whereas the influence of socio-economic status and ethnic background were less evident. More females than males reported "never diving head first into water of unknown depth" (females 75%, males 59%). More males reported "diving head first knowing that the water was shallow" (males 25%, females 14%). More females disagreed that diving head first into shallow water was acceptable if you knew how to dive (females 82%, males 66%).


CONCLUSIONS
Males, students from low decile schools and of Maori and Pacific Island backgrounds were most likely to hold unsafe attitudes towards diving and report risky diving behaviours.
Moran
Kevin
K
Faculty of Education, University of Auckland, New Zealand. k.moran@auckland.ac.nz
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students