Cool Runnings - an app-based intervention for reducing hot drink scalds: study protocol for a randomised controlled...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Injury Prevention
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Hot beverage scalds are a leading cause of non-fatal childhood burns globally and in Australia, with rates remaining constant.
• Existing prevention programs have had limited success in reducing hot beverage scald injuries.
• Smartphone applications offer a scalable and cost-effective platform for delivering targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a smartphone application utilizing gamification to increase knowledge of hot beverage scald risks and burn first aid among mothers.
• To assess the impact of an app-based intervention on mothers' knowledge regarding pediatric burn causes and at-risk age groups.

Main Methods:

• A single-blinded, two-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted.
• Participants were Queensland-based mothers aged 18+ with a smartphone and an infant aged 5-12 months.
• The intervention involved a smartphone app incorporating gamification and behavior-change strategies; primary outcomes measured changes in specific knowledge components.

Main Results:

• This section is not available in the provided abstract.

Conclusions:

• This study represents the first evaluation of an app-based delivery for injury prevention messages and the initial test of gamification in this context.
• If effective, this randomized controlled trial provides a model for future childhood injury prevention campaigns utilizing digital platforms.