132 Safety in seconds 2.0: results from a multi-site, randomised trial of a smartphone app to improve fire safety behaviours. (19th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shields, Wendy; Omaki, Elise; McDonald, Eileen; Aitken, Mary; Bishai, David; Rizzutti, Nicholas; Stevens, Molly
• Is Part Of: Injury prevention. Volume 23(2017)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A49
• Page End: A49
• Publication Date: 2017-09-19
• Subjects: Children's accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2017-042560.132
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8047

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Smoke alarms have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of death in fire. It is recommend that families develop and practice fire escape plans. This study aims to utilise a smartphone app, Safety In Seconds, to deliver a theory-based tailored education to improve fire safety practices of parents in Little Rock, Arkansas and Baltimore, Maryland Methods: Parents of children aged 4–7 visiting the paediatric emergency room in the two participating sites (regardless of the reason for the visit) were recruited. With assistance from a research assistant study participants downloaded the Safety In Seconds app onto their smartphone and were randomised to the intervention (fire safety) or control (car seat) group. Both groups completed a 10 min assessment about their safety knowledge and behaviours and received tailored feedback relevant to their study group. The app contained a portal with educational links and sent monthly push notification reminders for parents to interact with the app. Parents completed follow-up assessments at 3 months and 6 months. Results: A total of n=1129 parents were enrolled, and 742 (66%) completed the 6 month follow-up survey. At follow-up relative to the CG, parents in the IG were more likely to report having long-life lithium battery smoke alarms (22% vs 16%; p=0.03) and having practiced a fire escape plan (65% vs. 71%; p=0.08). Conclusions: Smartphone applications may be a promising tool to improve home safety behaviours.