Design: Closed cohort, repeated measure survey using a nonrandom sample.

Population: Six camps in five states across the United States were selected for evaluation. Selection was based on the historical involvement in FS4JK day camps, anticipated number of attendees in grades 4 and 5, differences in farm type, and geographic location. All children who attended the selected camps were eligible to participate. Variables studied: Safety knowledge about tractors, animals, and powered equipment.

Method: The investigators designed a 33-item pre- and post-test and administered it to children who attended the camps. Pre-tests were completed the day before the camp; post-tests were completed at the end of the camp day. Adults read the questions aloud to the children to keep them on task and increase comprehension.

Findings: Of the 1,347 children who attended the selected camps, 1,220 (90.6%) completed both the pre- and post-tests. Overall, knowledge increased significantly (p< .05) in each of the three areas evaluated. For the outcomes of animal safety, power equipment safety, and overall safety, the improvement was significantly greater for nonfarm children (n=680), compared with children who lived/worked on farms (n=540). The two groups did not differ on change in tractor safety. After adjusting for baseline safety knowledge, there was no difference between farm and nonfarm campers; however, girls demonstrated greater change than boys.

Conclusions: Farm safety day camps are effective in improving children’s knowledge about farm safety. Implications: Community-led farm safety day camps may be a venue to positively influence children’s knowledge about farm injury risks. Coupled with other programs for parents and farm families, these efforts may reduce the prevalence of child farm injuries.

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Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004