Reducing one source of pediatric head injuries

Evaluation of a school-based, bicycle helmet program was conducted using the PRECEDE model. The intervention targeted schools with low income, high minority, and nonurban fourth grade children. A repeated measures design was used with schools randomly assigned to each treatment: classroom, parent-classroom, or control. Reported helmet use was approximately 18% prior to the program. Following the intervention, between 34% and 98% of intervention students reported helmet use, with the best results reported in schools with parental contact. This educational intervention coupled with the provision of bicycle helmets increased reported helmet use, especially when parental contact was added.