Evaluation of ThinkFirst for kids injury prevention curriculum for grades 7/8.
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.
Vassilyadi
Michael
M
Division of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Duquette
Cheryll
C
Shamji
Mohammed F
MF
Orders
Shari
S
Dagenais
Simon
S
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