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

Adapting the T0-T4 implementation science model to occupational health and safety in agriculture, forestry, and fishing: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Despite much research to develop life-saving innovations for the agriculture, forestry, and fishing workforce, these populations continue to face the highest fatal and non-fatal injury rates in the United States, as many of these solutions are not fully adopted.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of research to practice efforts in this field. The language used to describe these initiatives, the utility of the NIH T0-T4 model, and the progress along the research to practice continuum were examined.

RESULTS

Fourteen eligible references demonstrated that progress in implementation science is lacking and that there is little consistency in how researchers apply the T0-T4 model; thus, a new model is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Researchers in this field face several challenges when moving from research to practice. While some challenges are addressed with the proposed model, additional resources and infrastructure to support such initiatives are necessary.

Efficacy of technology-based interventions to increase the use of hearing protections among adolescent farmworkers

OBJECTIVE

Adolescent farmworkers are exposed to loud noise during farm activities. We present a prospective study that evaluated the efficacy of low-cost, technology-based intervention approaches in high schools to enhance the use of hearing protection among adolescent farmworkers.

DESIGN

Six high schools in Iowa that agreed to participate in the study were divided into three equal groups through cluster-randomisation with each group receiving one of the three formats of hearing protection intervention: (a) classroom training, (b) classroom training coupled with smartphone app training and (c) computer training. Participants completed baseline (pre-training) and six-week post-intervention surveys for assessing hearing protection knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.

STUDY SAMPLE

Seventy participants from six schools were initially enrolled but 50 completed both pre- and post-intervention surveys.

RESULTS

In most cases, all three groups showed significant improvement in hearing protection knowledge, attitude and frequency of use from pre- to post-intervention. However, changes between groups were statistically non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Although all three formats led to improvements on hearing protection knowledge, attitude and behaviour, the findings of the study, perhaps due to the small sample size, did not allow us to detect whether technology-based hearing protection interventions were more effective than the traditional face-to-face training for adolescent farmworkers.

Hearing Loss and Noise Exposure Among Commercial Fishermen in the Gulf Coast

OBJECTIVE

Noise is a hazard in commercial fishing. This cross-sectional study associates occupational noise exposure with hearing loss in commercial fishermen.

METHODS

A comprehensive survey and audiometric testing were administered to 227 participants in the Gulf Coast. Sound-level measurements were obtained aboard a sample of fishing vessels. Criteria specific for hearing impairment (HI) and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) were applied to each audiogram.

RESULTS

The majority of these fishermen work shifts more than 16  hours for an extended duration. Hazardous noise levels were measured in the engine rooms ranging from 94.8 to 105.0 dBA. NIHL was significantly associated with years spent fishing, but not with age. HI was significantly associated with age, but not with years fishing.

CONCLUSIONS

Commercial fishermen in the Gulf may be at a considerable risk of occupational NIHL and would benefit from hearing conservation programs.