title: Evaluation of ThinkFirst for kids injury prevention curriculum for grades 7/8.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Head injury causes substantial morbidity and mortality in children. The ThinkFirst For Kids (TFFK) program improves knowledge of safe behaviours in kindergarten to Grade 6 students.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study evaluated the TFFK curriculum for grade 7/8 students. Knowledge acquisition was assessed quantitatively by an injury prevention test at baseline, at curriculum completion, and six weeks later. Participant experiences and behaviours were explored qualitatively by interviews and focus groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students (n=204) and teachers (n=6) from four schools participated in this study. Test scores improved from baseline (26.48+/-0.17, n=204), to completion (27.75+/-0.16, n=176), to six weeks post-completion (28.65+/-0.13, n=111) (p<0.05). Most students reported their decision-making and participation in risky behaviors was altered by the curriculum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The TFFK curriculum may promote education about head injury prevention among Grade 7/8 students, with a suggestion of long-term knowledge retention. The curriculum was well-received and may be suitable to reduce risky behavior and injuries in children.
authors: Division of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Vassilyadi
authors: Cheryll
authors: C
authors: Duquette
authors: Mohammed F
authors: MF
authors: Shamji
authors: Shari
authors: S
authors: Orders
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Dagenais
mesh_terms: D000056:Accident Prevention; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012572:School Health Services; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires