Time trends and predictive factors for safety perceptions among incoming South Australian university students.
OBJECTIVE
Young workers are over-represented in injury statistics. In order to develop injury prevention strategies, this study investigated time trends and predictive factors relating to safety skills, confidence, and attitudes.


METHODS
Annual surveys were conducted from 2006-2009 among incoming students at the University of Adelaide. The questions addressed safety training, injury experience, and health and safety perceptions.


RESULTS
Time trends in training, perceived safety skills, confidence, and attitudes were not significant. In terms of skills and confidence, the most important correlate was safety training outside of high school (odds ratio=1.6), especially when repeated, assessed, or in face to face mode. Feeling strongly about safety issues was best predicted by injury experience (OR=1.7) and gender.


CONCLUSIONS
These results emphasize the value of assessed training, but they are also consistent with published U.S. data, indicating no improvement over time. It is suggested that there be a more integrated approach in safety education, involving schools and workplaces.


CONCLUSIONS
By developing an understanding of student safety perceptions and experiences, this research aims to target strategies to reduce the excess injury rate for young workers. Workplaces should be more aware of the limitations of school-based safety education and a more integrated and evidence-based approach should be developed, involving schools and workplaces.
Discipline of Public Health, School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, the University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
Yahya
Y
Thamrin
Dino
D
Pisaniello
Sasha
S
Stewart
D000367:Age Factors; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010465:Perception; D011209:Power, Psychological; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D013021:South Australia; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult