Impact of Helmet Use in Preschool Children

The Impact of Helmet Use in Preschool Children From Low-income Families in Northeastern Indiana

• To test the hypothesis if provision of helmet education and free helmet distribution will significantly increase helmet use in preschool children of low-income families compared to those children receiving helmet education without free helmet distribution;
• To test the hypothesis if helmet users in preschool children will significantly reduce head and facial injuries compared to those non-helmet users

Current literature review shows that there were no definite prospective research studies that indicate the effectiveness of helmet promotion and wearing in injury prevention/reduction particularly to head and facial injuries among preschool children of low-income families.

The magnitude and seriousness of the injury problem in these children in the community could be high. Many injuries may occur that are not treated in emergency departments. Even the occurrence of a minor injury in the face is undesirable. These ages are learning periods to ride, are liable to fall, and are prone to injuries by using, not only, bicycles but also tricycles, scooters, roller skates/roller blades and other riding toys (vehicles).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 3-5 year olds and their siblings, registered at the Community Action of Northeast Indiana (CANI) Head Start Program
• The child must possess a bicycle or a riding toy to ride
• The child's caregiver speaks English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age less than two or greater than 5-year olds
• 3-5 year old children that do not own a bicycle or a riding toy to ride
• The child's caregiver does not speak English or Spanish.