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Evaluation of ThinkFirst for Kids Injury Prevention Curriculum for Grades 7/8

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2014

Michael Vassilyadi ,
Cheryll Duquette ,
Mohammed F. Shamji ,
Shari Orders  and
Simon Dagenais
Michael Vassilyadi*
Affiliation:
Division of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Division of Neurosurgery, The Ottawa Hospital Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
Cheryll Duquette
Affiliation:
Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
Mohammed F. Shamji
Affiliation:
Division of Neurosurgery, The Ottawa Hospital
Shari Orders
Affiliation:
Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
Simon Dagenais
Affiliation:
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
*
The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Division of Neurosurgery, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L1, Canada.
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Abstract

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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.

Interpretation:

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 wellreceived and may be suitable to reduce risky behavior and injuries in children.

Type
Other
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 36 , Issue 6 , November 2009 , pp. 761 - 768
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 2009

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