title: A community-based participatory research partnership to reduce vehicle idling near public schools.
abstract: The authors implemented and assessed the effectiveness of a public health initiative aimed at reducing traffic-related air pollution exposure of the school community at four Cincinnati public schools. A partnership was fostered with academic environmental health researchers and community members. Anti-idling campaign materials were developed and education and training were provided to school bus drivers, students, parents, and school staff. Pledge drives and pre- and posteducation assessments were documented to measure the effectiveness of the program. After completing the educational component of the public health initiative, bus drivers (n = 397), community members (n = 53), and staff (n = 214) demonstrated significantly increased knowledge about the health effects of idling (p < .05). More than 30% of parents signed the pledge to reduce idling after the public health intervention. A community-driven public health initiative can be effective in both 1) enhancing community awareness about the benefits of reducing idling vehicles and 2) increasing active participation in idling reduction. The partnership initially developed has continued to develop toward a sustainable and growing process.
authors.affiliation: Cincinnati Public Schools, USA.
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Eghbalnia
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sharkey
authors.forename: Denisha
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Garland-Porter
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alam
authors.forename: Marilyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Crumpton
authors.forename: Camille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Patrick H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Ryan
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D003256:Community Participation; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D009820:Ohio; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis; D012574:Schools; D001335:Vehicle Emissions / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D001335:Vehicle Emissions