Implementation of a Bicycle Helmet Program for Children in an Urban Environment: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This case study describes the conversion of a service-learning project into a research study that resulted in multiple presentations and publications. The service-learning project was a brain safety fair, which provided brain injury prevention educational activities along with free bicycle helmets to children in the school environment. This project was integrated into the curriculum of a graduate physical therapy program, which led to multiple presentations of this curricular model. Due to the experience gained with previous brain safety fairs, a qualitative research study was developed to investigate barriers for helmet use in young children in an urban school environment. By establishing a strong relationship with a community partner, the practical difficulties of scheduling and obtaining parental consent to work with children were managed appropriately. A sample of children was interviewed before and after the brain safety fair while field notes and artifacts were collected. Data analysis revealed the lack of access to a helmet, poor fit of helmets due to hairstyles, and decreased knowledge regarding helmets as barriers to the use of helmets. The process of identifying an appropriate journal was then completed which led to the project’s eventual publication in a peer-reviewed, indexed journal.

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