HELMETS - ALL THE PROS WEAR THEM

Objective.-To assess the outcome of a multidisciplinary community campaign to increase helmet use and determine the success of a school education and helmet distribution program. Design.-Survey research. Setting.-Large metropolitan area and two elementary schools. Participants.-Five hundred representative families in a metropolitan area and students enrolled in two elementary schools. Interventions.-A 1-year-long regional media campaign and a helmet distribution program in one elementary school after 4 weeks of safety instruction. Results.-Evaluation of the community component 1 year after initiation of the campaign revealed a 23% awareness of the promotion. Factors associated with wearing a helmet in the community included higher income levels, higher level of education, and male sex. The school component survey revealed that 73% of the children in school A reported helmet use vs 23% in school B. This multifaceted approach to affect helmet use demonstrated variable success in our community. Conclusion.-This campaign effort achieved its greatest success in promoting community awareness of the importance of helmet use. However, further studies need to be performed to determine the success of the school education and helmet distribution program.