1
|
Della Bona M, Crawford G, Royce B, Jancey J, Leavy JE. Using ERIC to Assess Implementation Science in Drowning Prevention Interventions in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 21:45. [PMID: 38248510 PMCID: PMC10815182 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review identifies and describes the use of the Expert Recommendation for Implementing Change (ERIC) concepts and strategies using public health approaches to drowning prevention interventions as a case study. International calls for action have identified the need to better understand the implementation of drowning prevention interventions so that intervention design and implementation is improved. In high-income countries (HICs), interventions are sophisticated but still little is known or written about their implementation. The review was registered on PROSPERO (number CRD42022347789) and followed the PRISMA guidelines. Eight databases were searched. Articles were assessed using the Public Health Ontario Meta-tool for quality appraisal of public health evidence. Forty-nine articles were included. Where ERIC strategies were reported, the focus was on evaluative and iterative strategies, developing partnerships and engaging the target group. The review identified few articles that discussed intervention development and implementation sufficiently for strategies to be replicated. Findings will inform further research into the use and measurement of implementation strategies by practitioners and researchers undertaking work in drowning prevention in HICs and supports a call to action for better documentation of implementation in public health interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malena Della Bona
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health (CERIPH), School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6000, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Johnson MB, Lawson KA. Caregiver water safety knowledge and views of toddler water competency. Inj Epidemiol 2023; 10:65. [PMID: 38093267 PMCID: PMC10716997 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-023-00479-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drowning is the leading cause of death for toddlers. When caregivers are knowledgeable about water safety, they can provide the best protection against drowning. The aim of this study is to survey caregivers of toddlers to better understand factors associated with water safety knowledge, attitudes about pool supervision, and toddler water competency skills. METHODS An online survey of 650 parents/caregivers of 1-4-year-old toddlers asked about the caregiver's water safety and swimming background and views on pool supervision. Surveys included a true/false section of ten basic water safety knowledge questions. Caregivers also reported on toddler swim lesson history and whether their toddler could perform six standard water competency skills. Linear regression identified factors predictive of water safety knowledge. RESULTS On average, caregivers selected the correct answer on six out of ten water safety knowledge questions. Water safety knowledge was predicted by the relationship of the caregiver to the toddler, gender, race, education, prior CPR training, caregiver swim capability, and reported pool supervision style. On average, caregivers reported that their toddler could perform half of the water competency skills. The majority of the toddlers had taken swimming lessons. One third of caregivers believed that after a toddler has had swimming lessons, they don't need to be watched as closely when they are in a pool. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that water safety knowledge is poor and that there are misconceptions about toddler supervision needs. Efforts are needed to improve water safety knowledge and to change perceptions about supervision among caregivers of toddlers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly B Johnson
- Trauma and Injury Research Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, 4900 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX, 78723, USA.
- Kinesiology Department, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, 78209, USA.
| | - Karla A Lawson
- Trauma and Injury Research Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, 4900 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX, 78723, USA
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Houlihan N, Shah R, Adams A, Talwar D, MacAlpine EM, Weltsch D, Mehta N, Baldwin K, Ganley T. Pediatric Diving-Related Injuries in Swimming Pools Presenting to US Emergency Departments: 2008-2020. Pediatr Emerg Care 2023; 39:821-827. [PMID: 37463138 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000003007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recreational swimming/diving is among the most common physical activities in US children and a significant cause of morbidity across the United States. This study updates the national epidemiology of diving-related injuries. METHODS The Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was queried for patients aged 0 to 19 from 2008 to 2020 who presented to any of the 100 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-participating emergency departments for a diving-related injury. Dive characteristics such as dive height, dive skill, dive direction, and dive sequence were determined from case narratives. RESULTS A total of 1202 cases were identified for analysis corresponding to a total national estimate of 37,387 diving related injuries during the period from 2008 to 2020 and a national incidence of 3.6 injuries per 100,000 population. Males accounted for 64% of injuries. The average yearly incidences of injury in the 10 to 14 and 15 to 19 age groups were identical at 5.8 per 100,000. Contact with the diving board or platform was the most common cause of injury (34%). Diving backwards or attempting a flip or handstand dive were associated with increased odds of sustaining an injury resulting from contact with the diving board or platform (odds ratio, 16.0 and 6.9, respectively). In 2020, the incidence of diving-related injury fell to 1.6 per 100,000 population. CONCLUSIONS Diving injuries are common in children and adolescents, especially in boys aged 10 to 19. There was a significant reduction in diving-related injury corresponding with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Houlihan
- From the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mekkaoui L, Schnitzler C, Sidney M, Gandrieau J, Camporelli F, Potdevin F. Building the Foundation of Aquatic Literacy in 4-6 Years-Old Children: A Systematic Review of Good Pedagogical Practices for Children and Parents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106180. [PMID: 35627720 PMCID: PMC9141389 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Children between the ages of 4–6 years represent the population most affected by drowning accidents, while their early involvement in physical activity, and more specifically in aquatic activities is a key factor in their future physical life journey. The systematic review’s purpose was to identify aspects in the intervention’s studies with children and/or their parents that had a significant impact on the Aquatic Literacy (AL) dimensions mentioned as motor, psychological, affective, and cognitive. The PICO method was used to define the research question and PRISMA checklist searched for articles in nine databases: Cochrane, Embase, ERIC, ProQuest, PsychInfo, PubMed, Scopus, SportDiscus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria were: (1) English language, (2) primary research, (3) population of 4–6 year old children or their parents, (4) intervention study design, and (5) results related to at least one of the AL domains. The strength of evidence and the risk of bias were assessed. Results showed relatively poor number of studies for such a vulnerable population regarding the drowning risk (n = 8 for parents and n = 14 for children intervention). Studies did not show a consensus on which educational approach was more beneficial than others. Concerning parental education, results were rather homogeneous, especially concerning the theoretical frameworks employed and the relevancy to include parents in swimming programs. The development of pedagogical tools for promotion and evaluation, based on the AL theoretical framework, could help to clarify the question of “how to teach” children to prevent drowning and engage young children in long-term physical activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Léa Mekkaoui
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369—URePSSS—Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, 59000 Lille, France; (M.S.); (J.G.); (F.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-6-66-55-65-60
| | - Christophe Schnitzler
- Unité de Recherche 1342, Faculté des Sciences du Sport de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, 67081 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Michel Sidney
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369—URePSSS—Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, 59000 Lille, France; (M.S.); (J.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Joseph Gandrieau
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369—URePSSS—Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, 59000 Lille, France; (M.S.); (J.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Fabien Camporelli
- CLERSE, UMR 8019, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 59800 Lille, France;
| | - François Potdevin
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369—URePSSS—Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, 59000 Lille, France; (M.S.); (J.G.); (F.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bou-Karroum L, El-Jardali F, Jabbour M, Harb A, Fadlallah R, Hemadi N, Al-Hajj S. Preventing Unintentional Injuries in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2022; 149:186944. [PMID: 35503333 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-053852j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Unintentional injuries constitute the leading causes of death and long-term disabilities among children aged 5 to 15 years. We aimed to systematically review published literature on interventions designed to prevent unintentional injuries among school-aged children. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and PsycINFO and screened the reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews. We included randomized controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies, and interrupted time series studies. The focus of included studies was on primary prevention measures. Two reviewers collected data on type of study design, setting, population, intervention, types of injuries, outcomes assessed, and statistical results. RESULTS Of 30 179 identified studies, 117 were included in this review. Most of these studies were conducted in high-income countries and addressed traffic-related injuries. Evidence from included studies reveals that multicomponent educational interventions may be effective in improving safety knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in school-aged children mainly when coupled with other approaches. Laws/legislation were shown to be effective in increasing cycle helmet use and reducing traffic-related injury rates. Findings reveal the relevance of infrastructure modification in reducing falls and improving pedestrian safety among children. CONCLUSIONS Additional studies are needed to evaluate the impact of unintentional injury prevention interventions on injury, hospitalizations, and mortality rates and the impact of laws and legislation and infrastructure modification on preventing unintentional injuries among school-aged children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lama Bou-Karroum
- Department of Health Management and Policy.,Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut
| | - Fadi El-Jardali
- Department of Health Management and Policy.,Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut.,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mathilda Jabbour
- Department of Health Management and Policy.,Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut
| | - Aya Harb
- Department of Health Management and Policy.,Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut
| | - Racha Fadlallah
- Department of Health Management and Policy.,Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut
| | - Nour Hemadi
- Department of Health Management and Policy.,Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Denny SA, Quan L, Gilchrist J, McCallin T, Shenoi R, Yusuf S, Weiss J, Hoffman B. Prevention of Drowning. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2021-052227. [PMID: 34253571 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-052227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in children. In 2018, almost 900 US children younger than 20 years died of drowning. A number of strategies are available to prevent these tragedies. As educators and advocates, pediatricians can play an important role in prevention of drowning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Denny
- Nationwide Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio;
| | - Linda Quan
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Tracy McCallin
- Children's Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Rohit Shenoi
- Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Shabana Yusuf
- Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffrey Weiss
- Phoenix Children's Hospital Medicine, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona.,University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona; and
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
D'Hondt E, Buelens L, Barnett LM, Howells K, Sääkslahti A, Costa AM, Jidovtseff B, Mertens L, Martelaer KD. Differences between Young Children's Actual, Self-perceived and Parent-perceived Aquatic Skills. Percept Mot Skills 2021; 128:1905-1931. [PMID: 34154469 DOI: 10.1177/00315125211017864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury/death in children worldwide, perceptions of their actual aquatic skills are of critical importance. Children's self-perceptions may influence the risks they take, and parental perceptions may influence the degree of supervision deemed to be necessary for children in and around water. Accordingly, we examined the differences between young children's actual, self-perceived and parent-perceived aquatic skills. Using a three-way repeated measures ANCOVA, we analyzed data from 134 child-parent dyads (56.0% boys; M age = 7.1, SD = 1.1 years; and 71.6% mothers). We measured self and parental perceptions of the child's aquatic skills with the 'Pictorial Scale of Perceived Water Competence' (PSPWC), and we applied the exact same 17 test items of the PSPWC to assess the child's actual aquatic skill level in the water. Controlling for years of swimming school experience, within-subject differences between the total scores on the 'Actual Aquatic Skills Test' (AAST) and both the child- and parent-completed PSPWC indicated lower than actual estimates of the children's aquatic skill level. The degree of disagreement against the AAST was more pronounced in parents than in 6-7 year-old children but was similar between parents and 8-9 year-old children, with these patterns being evident regardless of the children's sex. Our study contributes to an ongoing validation of the PSPWC and represents a key advance in assessing and comparing children's actual and perceived aquatic skill competence, using perfectly aligned instruments. Future research and practice might explore children's actual aquatic skills in different contexts (e.g., open water), include perspectives of non-parent caregivers and assess perceived and actual water competence across development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva D'Hondt
- Research Unit on Movement and Nutrition for Health and Performance, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lise Buelens
- Research Unit on Movement and Nutrition for Health and Performance, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lisa M Barnett
- Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Kristy Howells
- School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
| | - Arja Sääkslahti
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Aldo M Costa
- Research Centre in Sports, Health and Human Development, Department of Sports Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Boris Jidovtseff
- Research Unit on Childhood, Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Lisa Mertens
- Research Unit on Movement and Nutrition for Health and Performance, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kristine De Martelaer
- Research Unit on Movement and Nutrition for Health and Performance, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wickens N, Wallace R, Dare J, Costello L, Lo J, Nimmo L. Mobile phone use and social interactions among caregivers can reduce their ability to provide constant supervision to children at Australian public swimming pools. Health Promot J Austr 2020; 32 Suppl 2:147-157. [PMID: 33253459 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Caregivers have a crucial role to play in keeping children safe at public swimming pool facilities, with the most common factor contributing to childhood drowning being a lapse in adult supervision. METHODS A mixed methods approach was used to collect observations (n = 301) and interviews (n = 10) with caregivers of children aged 0-10 years at two public swimming pool facilities located in the Perth metropolitan area, Western Australia (WA). RESULTS Of the 449 children observed, children aged 6-10 years were significantly less likely to be provided with ideal supervision (26%) compared to younger children aged 0-5 years (62%). Of the caregivers who were using their mobile phone while supervising children (n = 100, 22% of children observed), none provided ideal supervision. Overall supervision levels among caregivers differed with gender, with only 44% (n = 74) of female caregivers providing ideal supervision, compared to 72% (n = 96) of male caregivers. The 10 interviews revealed several themes, including the following: caregivers' perceptions of their supervision responsibilities; barriers to supervision; and awareness and perceptions of a communications campaign designed by the Royal Life Saving WA Branch, known as Watch Around Water (WAW). CONCLUSION Caregiver supervision at public swimming pools remains an important issue, particularly the use of mobile phones and its deleterious impact on supervision. The WAW program plays an integral role in educating caregivers of supervision responsibilities. Furthermore, this study adds to the limited evaluation of the WAW program, and thus will help guide future improvements to ensure caregiver supervision is consistent. SO WHAT?: Further research is needed to create strategies to reduce mobile phone use among caregivers, in order to provide safer swimming environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Wickens
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Ruth Wallace
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Julie Dare
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Leesa Costello
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Johnny Lo
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Willcox-Pidgeon SM, Franklin RC, Devine S, Leggat PA, Scarr J. Reducing inequities among adult female migrants at higher risk for drowning in Australia: The value of swimming and water safety programs. Health Promot J Austr 2020; 32 Suppl 1:49-60. [PMID: 32803829 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Drowning is a global public health challenge with a need to ensure equity to drowning prevention information and interventions. In Australia, people born overseas are identified as being at greater risk of drowning. This paper presents findings from a community-based qualitative evaluation of swimming and water safety (SWS) programs delivered to adults from migrant backgrounds in Sydney, Australia. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted in November-December 2019 among 35 female participants of SWS programs targeted to adult migrants. While offered to all SWS program participants, no males took part in the study. Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using a deductive approach. The domains of enquiry were guided by the health belief model and the theory of planned behaviour. RESULTS Study participants were ≥25 years, first generation and most had lived in Australia for ≥10 years. Most were nonswimmers and were fearful of water prior to the program. Key themes were: direct SWS program outcomes, health and well-being; enablers and barriers to participation including: motivation, a program coordinator, fear and settlement priorities. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that in order to increase SWS participation among migrant communities, the broader determinants of health need to be considered. Culturally appropriate strategies are required to enable both men and women equal opportunities to access SWS programs. SO WHAT SWS programs provide multiple benefits for adult migrants; however, the impact on reducing inequities is limited, with broader multi-strategic health promotion approaches and policies required for inclusion and sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacey M Willcox-Pidgeon
- Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, Broadway, NSW, Australia.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard C Franklin
- Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, Broadway, NSW, Australia.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Sue Devine
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter A Leggat
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Justin Scarr
- Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, Broadway, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Learning to Swim: An Exploration of Negative Prior Aquatic Experiences among Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103557. [PMID: 32438661 PMCID: PMC7277817 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Learning to swim via a structured program is an important skill to develop aquatic competencies and prevent drowning. Fear of water can produce phobic behaviors counterproductive to the learning process. No research examines the influence of negative aquatic experiences on learning to swim. This study explored the influence of children’s negative prior aquatic experiences (NPAE) on learn-to-swim achievement via swim school data. Children’s enrolment records (5–12 years) in the Australian Capital Territory were analyzed via demographics, level achieved and NPAE. NPAE was recorded as yes/no, with free text thematically coded to 16 categories. Of 14,012 records analyzed (51% female; 64% aged 6–8 years), 535 (4%) reported a NPAE at enrolment. Males, children with a medical condition and attending public schools were significantly more likely (p = 0.001) to report a NPAE. Children reporting a NPAE achieved a lower average skill level at each year of age. The largest proportion (19%) of NPAE reported related to swimming lessons. NPAE have a detrimental influence on aquatic skill achievement. We recommend increased adult supervision to reduce likelihood of an NPAE occurring, while also encouraging swim instructors to consider NPAE when teaching swimming and develop procedures to ensure a NPAE does not occur during instruction.
Collapse
|
11
|
Franklin RC, Sleet DA. Injury prevention and health promotion: A global perspective. Health Promot J Austr 2019; 29:113-116. [PMID: 30159990 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - David A Sleet
- Curtin University School of Public Health, Bentley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,TJFACT and Bizzell Group Consultant, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Curtin University, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|