Increasing smoke alarm operability through theory-based health education: a randomised trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Fire Safety Engineering
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Working smoke alarms are crucial for reducing residential fire deaths but are often not maintained.
• Many households lack operational smoke alarms, posing a significant fire risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of theory-based education on improving smoke alarm operability.
• To determine if educational interventions can increase the number of functioning smoke alarms in low-income households.

Main Methods:

• A randomized multiarm trial was conducted in low-income neighborhoods in Maryland, USA.
• Intervention arms included Full Education (health belief + social-cognitive modules), Hands-on Practice (social-cognitive module + typical education), and Current Norm (typical education only).
• Follow-up assessments 1-3.5 years post-installation measured alarm operability and number of working alarms per home.

Main Results:

• Homes receiving Full Education or Hands-on Practice were significantly more likely to have a functioning smoke alarm (OR=2.77).
• These intervention groups had an average of 0.32 more working alarms per home, a 16% increase.
• The effectiveness of Full Education and Hands-on Practice was comparable.

Conclusions:

• Theory-based education, especially hands-on practice, enhances smoke alarm operability without increasing installation time.
• Hands-on practice is a key component for improving smoke alarm maintenance.
• For every three homes receiving hands-on practice, one additional working smoke alarm was observed two years post-installation.