Abstract

HIDALGO-SOLORZANO, Elisa et al. Road traffic injuries among youth: measuring the impact of an educational intervention. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2008, vol.50, suppl.1, pp.s60-s68. ISSN 0036-3634.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of an educative intervention intended to increase the knowledge of causes and risk factors associated with road traffic iinjries in the city of Cuernavaca. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study design was administered to students from 16 to 19 years old in colleges and universities in the city of Cuernavaca. The educative intervention included radio spots, banners, pamphlets, posters and cards. The measure of impact was established as changes in knowledge about speed, alcohol and the use of seat belts, using factor analysis methodologies. RESULTS: A significant change in the level of knowledge (p= 0.000) was observed in 700 students from 16 institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Educative interventions represent an initial strategy for changes in knowledge and population behaviours. The present study offers an appropriate methodology to measure short-term changes in knowledge about risk factors associated with a significant problem affecting Mexican youth.

Keywords : youth; accident prevention; intervention; knowledge; Cuernavaca; Mexico.