a municipal helmet policy for children is associated with increased helmet use
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A municipal helmet policy for children is associated with increased helmet use. Jacqueline Willmore, MPH Epidemiologist May 27, 2014. Overview. Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Implications. Background. Feasibility study 2009-2010 - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
A municipal helmet policy for children is associated with
increased helmet use
Jacqueline Willmore, MPHEpidemiologistMay 27, 2014
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Overview Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Implications
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Background Feasibility study 2009-2010• Children <10 have the highest rate of
head injuries related to ice skating• Only 6% of children were wearing a
helmet when head injury occurred• Helmet policies are effective• 80% of children and 96% of parents of
children said they would still participate
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January 2012
“…all customers aged 10 and under, as well as all weak or non-skaters of any age to wear a multi-impact CSA approved helmet during City of Ottawa public skating session.”
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Media launch with Mayor
New policy signs in arenas
Rink board banners
Helmet discount coupons
Training for staff
Ongoing initiatives
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Objective Evaluate effects of the new helmet
policy on:• Helmet use• Public skating attendance• Attitudes toward helmet use
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Methods Pre- (2011) vs. post-policy (2013) design Observations of helmet use in 10 arenas• Age group• Sex• Type of helmet
Electronic attendance from 10 arenas Intercept surveys at 10 arenas
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Results Observations:• Pre: 550 skaters at 10 arenas• Post: 470 skaters at 11 arenas
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0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
<10y 10-12y 13-17y 18+y Total
Age group
2011 2013
Skaters wearing a helmet by age group, 2011 vs. 2013
p<0.05
10
Increases in both sexes
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Female Male
2011 2013
p<0.05
11
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Hockey Ski/Snowboard Bike
2011 2013
Appropriate type of helmet improved
p<0.05
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Attendance did not change
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
Pre Post
Att
end
ance
0 to 12 years 13 years and older
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Conclusions A municipal helmet policy for
children attending indoor recreational skating is associated with increased, appropriate helmet use
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Implications Indoor skating helmet policies are a
feasible component of a comprehensive approach to injury prevention
Opportunity for collaboration between public health, parks and recreation and others
Continue normalization of helmets
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References1. National Ambulatory Care Reporting System, ER Visits 2004-2008.
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Provincial Health Planning Database, 2010. Available from: http://ophid.scholarsportal.info/details/view.html?q=bill&uri=/phirn/phpdb_PHIRN_e.xml (Accessed July 2010).
2. Hospital Inpatient Data 2004-2008. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 2010. Available from: https://www.intellihealth.moh.gov.on.ca/SASPortal/mainUnchallenged.do?unchallenged=yes (Accessed July 2010).
3. Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program database 2002-2007. CHEO. Public Health Agency of Ottawa, 2013. Available from: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/injury-bles/chirpp/index-eng.php (Accessed July 2009).
4. Karkhaneh M, Kalenga JC, Hagel BE, Rowe BH. Effectiveness of bicycle helmet legislation to increase helmet use: a systematic review. Inj Prev. 2006 Apr; 12(2): 76-82.
5. Policy for Mandatory Helmet Use During Public Skates. Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. City of Ottawa 2011. Available from: http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/parks-and-recreation/drop-activities/public-skating-descriptions (Accessed February 27, 2014).
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Acknowledgements Colleen O’Mahony-Menton, Ottawa
Public Health Staff from Parks, Recreation &
Cultural Services Dr. Michael Vassilyadi, University
of Ottawa, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and ThinkFirst
