Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in Increasing Use of Hearing Protection Devices Among Agricultural Producers

BACKGROUND

Agricultural producers are frequently exposed to noise that is hazardous to their hearing and cardiovascular health, and have among the highest rates of noise-induced hearing loss of all occupations. However, despite information-sharing approaches, few producers wear sufficient hearing protection. There is a need to develop effective methods of protecting producers from their noise exposure.

METHODS

We provided a series of 2 to 3 short (30-minute) telephone-based motivational interviewing (MI) sessions to noise-exposed agricultural producers. We assessed intervention effectiveness through changes in measuring hearing protector use pre- and post-intervention using a one-group pre/posttest design.

RESULTS

The sample (N = 29) predominantly consisted of crop producers from Michigan. The mean percentage of time hearing protection was used increased from 44.9% to 51.8% after the intervention, approximately a 7% increase (p =.105). Regression analysis suggested the relationship between intervention dose and use of hearing protection was not correlative.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

There was a marginal increase in the use of hearing protection after the intervention, although setting-specific increases in use were uneven. Intervention dose did not correlate with a change in hearing protection use. Further research is warranted to determine the effectiveness of MI, how it compares to information sharing, and to identify intervention dose parameters that promote efficiency.

A Systematic Literature Review of the Factors Influencing Hearing Protection Device Usage among Industrial Workers

This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to determine the factors influencing the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among industrial workers. This study was guided by the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) review method, and four databases comprising Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar were employed. A total of 196 articles were identified, and 28 studies on the factors associated with HPD use among industrial workers from 2006 to 2021 met the inclusion criteria. Resultantly, five main themes emerged from this review: sociodemographic (29%), interpersonal influences (18%), situational influences (18%), cognitive-perceptual (29%), and health-promoting behavior (6%) associated with HPD use among industrial workers. A total of 17 sub-themes were identified, including age, gender, educational level, noise level, working experience, social models, interpersonal support, social norms, safety climate, training, organizational support, perceived barrier, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, self-efficacy, and cues to action. The significant factors influencing workers to use HPDs are sociodemographic, interpersonal influences, situational influences, and health-promoting behavior. Future studies should focus on the cues to action toward human behavior influencing the use of HPDs, workers' health status, and comorbidities of hearing loss. Therefore, this systematic study gives valuable reference resources for up-and-coming researchers as well as new knowledge to expert professionals and academics in various industries.

Design and testing of a personalized noise monitoring system

Agricultural workers are more prone to noise-induced hearing loss than are many other workers. Hearing protection device use among agricultural workers is low, but training can increase hearing protection device use. This work proposes a system designed to automatically inform agricultural workers when they were exposed to noises that exceed the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure level. The smartphone-based system worn on the arm uses a noise dosimeter to measure noise exposures throughout the day to within ±2 A-weighted decibels of a Class 2 sound level meter. The device collects location and audio data, which are transferred to a server and presented to the worker on a locally hosted website. The website details noise exposure and helps the worker identify where exposure occurred and what specific tasks exceed NIOSH's recommended exposure limit, putting them at higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss. With this understanding, the worker is expected to adopt behavior changes and better hearing protection use at critical places and times. This pilot study evaluates the accuracy of the noise dosimeter and GPS relative to gold-standard instruments. The system was tested on a farm with outputs compared with gold-standard instruments. A-weighted, 1-sec averaged sound pressure levels and position data were collected while users were performing a variety of tasks indoors and outdoors. The smartphone's external noise dosimeter read within ±2 A-weighted decibels of the Class 2 reference dosimeter 59% of the time. The positioning devices had an average error of sub-4 m. While not perfectly matching gold-standard instruments, the device is capable of identifying and collecting information relative to loud noise events that promote noise-induced hearing loss.

Hearing protection behavior of farmers in Iran: Application of the protection motivation theory

BACKGROUND: Noise in work environments is regarded as a serious issue. Hearing loss leads to socio-economic problems and huge costs to families and communities. Agriculture is one of the professions in which individuals face occupational noise. Farmers are the second leading group in suffering from hearing loss in the world. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to predict the hearing protection behavior of farmers by using the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). METHOD: This descriptive study was conducted through a survey. The questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. The population of the study consisted of wheat farmers in Kermanshah province (N = 126,900). By using Krejcie and Morgan’s table and stratified random sampling method, 382 farmers were taken as the research sample. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the experts of this field, and the reliability was proved through a pilot study to calculate Cronbach’s alpha. RESULTS: The findings showed that perceived self-efficacy, perceived response efficacy, perceived vulnerability, and perceived response costs had the strongest effects on farmers’ motivation to protect their hearing, respectively. Furthermore, protection motivation had a significant effect on farmers’ protection behavior. CONCLUSION: Threat and coping appraisals as cognitive mediating processes determined farmers’ behavior for hearing protection. The results illustrated that the components of PMT were appropriate predictors of farmers’ hearing protection behavior.

Towards a Holistic Model Explaining Hearing Protection Device Use among Workers

Offering hearing protection devices (HPDs) to workers exposed to hazardous noise is a noise control strategy often used to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). However, HPDs are used incorrectly and inconsistently, which explains their limited efficiency. Numerous models based on social cognition theories identify the significant factors associated with inconsistent HPD use and aim to improve HPD training programs and to increase HPD use. However, these models do not detail (dis)comfort aspects originating from complex interactions between characteristics of the triad “environment/person/HPD” while these aspects are known to largely influence HPD (mis)use. This paper proposes a holistic model explaining HPD (mis)use, based on the integration of a comfort model adapted to HPDs into an existing behavioral model already developed for HPDs. The model also takes into account the temporal dimension, which makes it possible to capture the scope of change in HPD-related health behaviors. This holistic description of HPD use could be used as a tool for stakeholders involved in HPD use to effectively prevent NIHL among workers.

Improving Hand Hygiene Compliance of Intensive Care Unit by Using Pender's Model

Background

Hand hygiene (HH) compliance is an effective behavior in controlling hospital-acquired infection because the hand is the main means of transmitting infections in patient-medical staff communication as well as the inanimate environment. This study aimed to explore the effect of applying Pender's Health Promotion Model on the HH compliance of intensive care unit staff.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study with a single research group was conducted from January to July in 2019. The required data were collected from 90 staff of the intensive care units of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran through 1796 and 2343 opportunity of monitoring before and after the intervention. The data collection instruments were a standard HH observation form and a researcher-made HH questionnaire in the light of Pender's health promotion model. The data were statistically analyzed in SPSS using Paired-samples T-test and Chi-squared test.

Results

The mean age of the 90 included participants was 35.92 (± 6.5) years and the mean length of their work experience was 10 (±1.5). The hand hygiene index rose from 23% before the intervention to 41.4% after the intervention (p=0.001). Moreover, statistically significant differences were found in moments after touching surroundings (p=0.001), before and after touching a patient (p=0.001), and also in perceived barriers (p=0.015), interpersonal influences (p=0.008) and situational influences (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Pender's model showed to have improved the staff's HH compliance as a professional behavior.

From Florence to fossil fuels: Nursing has always been about environmental health

BACKGROUND

Since its founding, professional nursing has applied an environmental lens to healing.

METHODS

This CANS 2020 Keynote article describes the history of nursing environmental science and nurses important contributions to the US Environmental Justice Movement. Starting with Florence Nightingale's Notes on Nursing, which established Environmental Theory, the paper introduces key figures throughout nursing history who have studied and advocated for environmental health and justice.

FINDINGS

The paper emphasizes that nursing has always been about environmental health and that, regardless of specialty or practice setting, all nurses are called to incorporate environmental science and translation into their research and practice.

CONCLUSION

This call to action is especially critical today in the context of urgent issues like climate change, environmental racism and racial health disparities, emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19, and chemical exposures in the home and workplace (among others).

Community-based program to increase use of hearing conservation practices among farm and rural youth: a cluster randomized trial of effectiveness

BACKGROUND

Noise exposure and associated hearing loss affects an estimated 2 million farm youth who are exposed as farm residents, farm family workers, hired workers, children of migrant or seasonal workers, and farm visitors. Risk factors for farm youth include frequent exposure to high farm noise; farm work from an early age, and exposure to high recreational noise (e.g., firearms, ATVs, and personal listening devices).

METHODS

This study compared the effectiveness of two interventions and control. The programs included a community-based interactive youth educational program alone (Group A), a community-based interactive youth educational program followed by an Internet-based booster (Group B), and a no-interaction control (Group C). The study used a cluster randomized control design, with equal allocation ratio to each cluster, without blinding. Inclusion criteria included enrollment in grade 4, parental consent, English speaking, and attending a community-based educational event included in the cluster sampling. A total of 1979 youth were enrolled at 36 sites distributed across the 3 study arms in the following distribution: N = 662 in 13 sites (Group A), N = 680 in 12 sites (Group B), and N = 637 in 11 sites (Group C).

RESULTS

Comparison with pre-intervention data showed no difference in intent to use hearing conservation strategies in experimental groups. However, knowledge and attitudes toward hearing conservation were improved in the groups receiving the Internet-based booster. Participants reported frequent exposure to sources of hazardous noise (e.g., loud sporting events, firecrackers, personal listening devices).

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible and acceptable to incorporate hearing health education into an already existing system designed to deliver health and safety educational programming to farm and rural youth. The program was adopted by the partner agency for dissemination to up to 100,000 youth annually. Results of this study inform future intervention studies, interventions aimed at farm youth, and interventions to increase use of hearing conservation strategies, as well as offer a base for developing programs for non-English speaking children.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov registration CT02472821. Date of trial registration: 06/09/2015 (retrospectively registered).

Noise Exposure on Mixed Grain and Livestock Farms in Western Australia

Noise presents an ongoing occupational health and safety issue, which despite numerous studies still presents a significant risk in agriculture with high exposures prevalent. In this study, we measured noise exposures associated with significant activities on 42 mixed grain and livestock farms in Western Australia. Employing a mixture of personal noise measurements using dosimeters, noise measurements using sound level meters, and a validated survey, we identified that 32% of farm workers were exposed to noise levels above the LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) limit, before considering extended shifts. We also noted that extended shift lengths, of up to 16 h in some cases, were possible. In addition, we found that 37% of workers were exposed to noise peak of 140 dB(C) or greater. It was further noted that hearing protection is not typically worn for the duration of an activity and is only for a small number of tasks. However we did find some evidence that farmers had begun to implement some form of noise management practice, usually in the form of buying quieter equipment or separating noisy tasks from quiet tasks. Improved education for farmer and farm workers in terms of the risks posed by noise, identifying noisy tasks, is recommended, as well as a programme to encourage better and consistent use of hearing protection.

A Preliminary Study of a Spanish Graphic Novella Targeting Hearing Loss Prevention

PURPOSE

This preliminary study developed a digital graphic novella targeting hearing protection beliefs of Spanish-speaking agricultural workers. Researchers used pretest-posttest interview surveys to establish if the novella had an immediate influence on the participants' beliefs about noise-induced hearing loss and usage of hearing protection devices.

METHOD

Researchers developed a digital graphic novella directed to increase knowledge about noise-induced hearing loss and increase the proper use of hearing protection devices. The novella was tailored to meet the specific linguistic and literacy needs of Spanish-speaking agricultural workers. Thirty-one Spanish-speaking farmworkers of Mexican nationality participated. This study included an interview survey with specific questions on noise-induced hearing loss, myths, and hearing protection device usage. A pretest-posttest design was applied to measure the graphic novella's immediate influence on workers.

RESULTS

The posttest scores on Hearing Protection Beliefs statements were significantly better than pretest scores, with a large effect size observed.

CONCLUSION

Digital media may be an effective way to overcome language and literacy barriers with Spanish-speaking workers when providing health education and prevention efforts.

Lessons Learned From a Practice-Based, Multisite Intervention Study With Nurse Participants

PURPOSE

To identify challenges and solutions to the efficient conduct of a multisite, practice-based randomized controlled trial to improve nurses' adherence to personal protective equipment use in ambulatory oncology settings.

DESIGN

The Drug Exposure Feedback and Education for Nurses' Safety (DEFENS) study is a clustered, randomized, controlled trial. Participating sites are randomized to Web-based feedback on hazardous drug exposures in the sites plus tailored messages to address barriers versus a control intervention of a Web-based continuing education video.

APPROACH

The study principal investigator, the study coordinator, and two site leaders identified challenges to study implementation and potential solutions, plus potential methods to prevent logistical challenges in future studies.

FINDINGS

Noteworthy challenges included variation in human subjects' protection policies, grants and contracts budgeting, infrastructure for nursing-led research, and information technology variation. Successful strategies included scheduled Web conferences, site-based study champions, site visits by the principal investigator, and centrally based document preparation. Strategies to improve efficiency in future studies include early and continued engagement with contract personnel in sites, and proposed changes to the common rule concerning human subjects. The DEFENS study successfully recruited 393 nurses across 12 sites. To date, 369 have completed surveys and 174 nurses have viewed educational materials.

CONCLUSIONS

Multisite studies of nursing personnel are rare and challenging to the existing infrastructure. These barriers can be overcome with strong engagement and planning.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Leadership engagement, onsite staff support, and continuous communication can facilitate successful recruitment to a workplace-based randomized, controlled behavioral trial.

Personal Protective Equipment Use and Hazardous Drug Spills Among Ambulatory Oncology Nurses

Purpose/Objectives

To examine patterns and organizational correlates of personal protective equipment (PPE) use and hazardous drug spills.

Design

Cross-sectional mailed survey.

Setting

Ambulatory practices in California, Georgia, and Michigan.

Sample

252 Oncology Nursing Society members who administer hazardous drugs.

Methods

Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses.

Main Research Variables

Outcomes were PPE use and hazardous drug spills. Covariates included nursing workloads, nurses’ practice environments, and barriers to PPE use.

Findings

Twenty-six percent reported a recent drug spill, and 90% wore only one pair of chemotherapy-tested gloves. Increased PPE use was associated with increased nurse participation in practice affairs, nonprivate ownership, increased nursing workloads, and fewer barriers to PPE use. Spills were associated with significantly less favorable manager leadership and support and higher workloads.

Conclusions

Drug spills occur often in ambulatory settings. PPE use remains low, and barriers to PPE use persist. Higher workloads are associated with more drug spills.

Implications for Practice

Managers should monitor and correct aberrant workloads and ensure that PPE is available and that staff are trained.

Gender differences in use of hearing protection devices among farm operators

Purpose:

Although farm operators have frequent exposure to hazardous noise and high rates of noise-induced hearing loss, they have low use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). Women represent about one-third of farm operators, and their numbers are climbing. However, among published studies examining use of HPDs in this worker group, none have examined gender-related differences. The purpose of this study was to examine gender-related differences in use of hearing protection and related predictors among farm operators.

Materials and Methods:

Data previously collected at farm shows and by telephone were analyzed using t-tests and generalized linear model with zero inflated negative binomial (ZINB) distribution.

Findings:

The difference in rate of hearing protector use between men and women farm operators was not significant. There was no difference between men and women in most hearing protector-related attitudes and beliefs.

Conclusion:

Although men and women farm operators had similar rates of use of hearing protectors when working in high-noise environments, attitudes about HPD use differed. Specifically, interpersonal role modeling was a predictor of HPD use among women, but not for men. This difference suggests that while farm operators of both genders may benefit from interventions designed to reduce barriers to HPD use (e.g., difficulty communicating with co-workers and hearing warning sounds), farm women have unique needs in relation to cognitive-perceptual factors that predict HPD use. Women farm operators may lack role models for use of HPDs (e.g., in peers and advertising), contributing to their less frequent use of protection.

Assessment of personal protective equipment use among farmers in eastern North Carolina: a cross-sectional study

Agriculture consistently ranks among the top hazardous occupations, accounting for a significant number of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. Eastern North Carolina has a significant number of small, independent, family-run, owned, and operated farms. However, little is known about perception, behavior, training, accessibility, or purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety among farmers in the region. In this study, telephone interviews were conducted among participating farmers between March and June 2012 (N = 129). Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to examine associations between PPE behavior and workplace hazards, health-related concerns, and wearing and purchasing PPE. Findings indicated that personal behavior of wearing hearing protection devices (HPDs) and protection from the sun among farmers was low. However, a relatively high percentage of farmers reported wearing PPE when working with agricultural chemicals. Most farmers received training from agricultural extension offices. The findings indicate that, in general, farmers are well aware of the risks associated with occupational hazards and recognize concern for health and safety protection in the workplace. Transitioning these concerns into preventative action remains a challenge and priority for the agricultural health professional.

Equipamento de proteção individual auricular: avaliação da efetividade em trabalhadores expostos a ruído

RESUMO: Objetivo: avaliar a efetividade do uso de equipamento de proteção individual auricular (protetor auricular) de inserção, do tipo espuma moldável, em trabalhadores expostos a ruído, verificando se a sua utilização sem e com orientação sobre o seu uso adequado, proporciona a vedação necessária para a prevenção de agravos auditivos e extra-auditivos. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo pré-experimental descritivo, de corte transversal que utilizou o método quantitativo para a análise dos dados. Foram avaliados 75 trabalhadores (150 orelhas), com exposição a ruído ocupacional de diferentes setores e funções de várias empresas ou trabalhadores autônomos. Todos foram submetidos à audiometria tonal em três momentos distintos: i) para obtenção do limiar auditivo; ii) utilizando protetor auricular do tipo espuma moldável sem orientação sobre o seu uso adequado somente com as instruções contidas na embalagem; iii) usando o protetor auricular após orientação do fonoaudiólogo avaliador. Resultados: a comparação entre os valores obtidos na avaliação audiométrica com a utilização do protetor auricular, sem e com orientação do profissional fonoaudiólogo, revelou um ganho estatisticamente significante somente no caso de readaptação do dispositivo no conduto auditivo. Conclusão: a comparação entre as respostas evidencia uma maior efetividade e atenuação do protetor auricular, do tipo espuma moldável, após orientação adequada do fonoaudiólogo.

Effects of interventions on use of hearing protectors among farm operators: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three interventions designed to promote hearing protector device (HPD) use.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

STUDY SAMPLE

Farm operators (n = 491) were randomly assigned to one of five intervention groups: (1) interactive web-based information with mailed assortment of HPDs; (2) Interactive web-based information only; (3) static web-based information with mailed assortment of HPDs; (4) Static web-based information only; or (5) mailed assortment of HPDs only. Data were analysed using a mixed model approach.

RESULTS

HPD use increased among all participants, and increased more among participants receiving the mailed HPDs (with or without information) compared to participants receiving other interventions. Participants receiving the interactive web-based information had comparable increased use of HPDs to those receiving the static web-based information. Participants receiving the mailed HPDs had more positive situational influences scale scores than other participants. Program satisfaction was highest among mailed and web-based information groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A mailed assortment of hearing protectors was more effective than information. Interactive and static information delivered via web were similarly effective. Programs interested in increasing HPD use among farmers should consider making hearing protectors more available to farmers.

Social Desirability Bias in Self-Reporting of Hearing Protector Use among Farm Operators

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this study were (i) to examine the relationship between reported hearing protector use and social desirability bias, and (ii) to compare results of the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability instrument when administered using two different methods (i.e. online and by telephone).

METHODS

A shortened version of the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability instrument, as well as a self-administered instrument measuring use of hearing protectors, was administered to 497 participants in a study of hearing protector use. The relationship between hearing protector use and social desirability bias was examined using regression analysis. The results of two methods of administration of the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability instrument were compared using t-tests and regression analysis.

RESULTS

Reliability (using Cronbach's alpha) for the shortened seven-item scale for this sample was 0.58. There was no evidence of a relationship between reported hearing protector use and social desirability reporting bias, as measured by the shortened Marlowe-Crowne. The difference in results by method of administration (i.e. online, telephone) was very small.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first published study to measure social desirability bias in reporting of hearing protector use among farmers. Findings of this study do not support the presence of social desirability bias in farmers' reporting of hearing protector use, lending support for the validity of self-report in hearing protector use in this population.

Protocol of a randomized controlled trial of hearing protection interventions for farm operators

Background

Hearing loss and tinnitus are prevalent in America, and noise-induced hearing loss is a leading cause of hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss has negative impact on quality of life, physical and emotional functioning, social life, and employment. In addition, noise-induced hearing loss results in heavy social and economic burdens on families and communities from all ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Farmers are a group that is particularly high risk for noise-induced hearing loss, and is underserved by programs designed to limit that risk. They are among the most noise-exposed group of workers, and experience the second highest prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among all occupational categories. In agriculture, 1.5 million workers (43.3%) report exposure to hazardous noise. Although use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) would protect them from noise-induced hearing loss, use among farmers is low.

Methods/Design

The purpose of this project is to compare the effectiveness of several approaches to influencing hearing protector use. Approaches include: a) an interactive, predictors-based intervention delivered via the Internet; b) a static informational web site; and c) a mailed sampler of hearing protectors. The goals are to further develop an intervention to promote farmers’ use of HPDs, and compare the effectiveness of the interventions delivered in various combinations. Participants will include 701 farmers. Sites will be affiliates of a major farmer organization. Data will be collected at baseline, 6, and 12 months. A random intercept mixed model will be used to explore the fixed effects of the three NIHL prevention interventions over time while adjusting for age and gender. This project will involve a partnership between the University of Michigan and a major farmer organization to accomplish project aims.

Discussion

Results of this study will be used to inform future research-to-practice studies to increase hearing protector use. Increased use of hearing protectors is expected to reduce rates of noise-induced hearing loss and other negative effects of high noise exposure, and improve quality of life in this high-risk and underserved group.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01454895 Registered 14 October, 2011.

Attitudes toward Use of Hearing Protection Devices and Effects of an Intervention on Fit-Testing Results

This study assessed attitudes toward the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) and the effect of an educational intervention on fit-testing results by comparing personal attenuation ratings (PAR50) before and after the intervention. Employees ( n = 327) from a large metal container manufacturer at four geographic locations were tested with a field attenuation estimation system (FAES) to identify workers ( n = 91) requiring intervention. PAR50 values significantly increased from baseline to post-intervention ( p < .001, 15.1 to 26.9) and at the 6-month follow-up ( p < .001, 95% confidence interval = −11.2, −6.3). Perceived self-efficacy scores for using HPDs significantly declined from baseline to post-intervention ( p = .006, 95% confidence interval = 0.3, 1.9), but were not significantly related to PAR50. Therefore, a FAES can assist the occupational health nurse to identify workers at high risk (low PAR50), teach proper fit and use of HPDs, and improve hearing protector selection.

Strategies to enhance participant recruitment and retention in research involving a community-based population

Challenges associated with recruiting and retaining community-based populations in research studies have been recognized yet remain of major concern for researchers. There is a need for exchange of recruitment and retention techniques that inform recruitment and retention strategies. Here, the authors discuss a variety of methods that were successful in exceeding target recruitment and retention goals in a randomized clinical trial of hearing protector use among farm operators. Recruitment and retention strategies were 1) based on a philosophy of mutually beneficial engagement in the research process, 2) culturally appropriate, 3) tailored to the unique needs of partnering agencies, and 4) developed and refined in a cyclical and iterative process. Sponsoring organizations are interested in cost-effective recruitment and retention strategies, particularly relating to culturally and ethnically diverse groups. These approaches may result in enhanced subject recruitment and retention, concomitant containment of study costs, and timely accomplishment of study aims.

Review of interventions to increase hearing protective device use in youth who live or work on farms

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To identify and compare hearing protection interventions for youth working and living on farms.

BACKGROUND

Noise-induced hearing loss represents a significant risk factor for injury, disability and death in agricultural populations due to an inability to receive sensory information that can indicate dangerous situations. Despite the availability of hearing protection devices, rates of utilisation remain low, while rates of noise-induced hearing loss are high within the agricultural youth population.

DESIGN

Comprehensive review of the literature.

METHOD

Electronic database searches were conducted to identify research studies of hearing protection interventions for youth living or working on farms.

RESULTS

Three intervention studies were identified as meeting the review criteria, with additional reanalysis studies based on the original intervention studies. The intervention studies demonstrated increased use of hearing protection devices among youth who received the interventions compared to the control groups although audiometry testing results were not improved as a result of the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this review highlight the need for additional research into the effectiveness of hearing protection device use as a noise-induced hearing loss preventative measure in youth who live or work on farms and the creation of effective interventions to increase hearing protection device use and decrease Noise-induced hearing loss risk.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

It is recommended that nurses be educated in the areas of health promotion relevant to farming communities to be able to effectively meet their rural clients' needs in relation to noise-induced hearing loss. Working with youth, families, and schools, as well as developing community partnerships, can facilitate the dissemination of hearing protection promotion.