Analysis of the drowning risk associated with aquatic environment and swimming ability [Análisis del riesgo de ahogamiento asociado al entorno acuático y competencia natatoria]
- Szpilman, David, Gaino, Pinheiro, Madormo, S., Palacios-Aguilar, José, Otero-Agra, Martín, Blitvich, Jennifer, Barcala-Furelos, Roberto
- Authors: Szpilman, David , Gaino, Pinheiro , Madormo, S. , Palacios-Aguilar, José , Otero-Agra, Martín , Blitvich, Jennifer , Barcala-Furelos, Roberto
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Fisica y del Deporte [International Journal of Medicine and Sciences of Physical Activity and Sport] Vol. 22, no. 88 (2022), p. 917-932
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A high level of swimming can be a protective factor against drowning, however, this relationship has not yet been empirically demonstrated, based on water competence level and aquatic environment. This study designed a drowning risk matrix based on the probabilistic analysis of a questionnaire answered by 3,181 participants. The occurrence of Aquatic Stress/Distress (ASD) was analysed based on 5 skill levels and three aquatic scenarios: a) Pool without waves or currents, b) Lakes, reservoirs, rivers and beaches without waves or currents, c) Rivers, beaches or pools with waves and/or currents. The results were expressed in Odds Ratio (OR). ASD risk exceeded OR of 25 in the most dangerous environment and increased for all scenarios as aquatic competency worsened. Three out of four swimmers have experienced an ASD and this event could have been an incentive to improve their water competence. © 2022, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid y CV Ciencias del Deporte. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Szpilman, David , Gaino, Pinheiro , Madormo, S. , Palacios-Aguilar, José , Otero-Agra, Martín , Blitvich, Jennifer , Barcala-Furelos, Roberto
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Fisica y del Deporte [International Journal of Medicine and Sciences of Physical Activity and Sport] Vol. 22, no. 88 (2022), p. 917-932
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A high level of swimming can be a protective factor against drowning, however, this relationship has not yet been empirically demonstrated, based on water competence level and aquatic environment. This study designed a drowning risk matrix based on the probabilistic analysis of a questionnaire answered by 3,181 participants. The occurrence of Aquatic Stress/Distress (ASD) was analysed based on 5 skill levels and three aquatic scenarios: a) Pool without waves or currents, b) Lakes, reservoirs, rivers and beaches without waves or currents, c) Rivers, beaches or pools with waves and/or currents. The results were expressed in Odds Ratio (OR). ASD risk exceeded OR of 25 in the most dangerous environment and increased for all scenarios as aquatic competency worsened. Three out of four swimmers have experienced an ASD and this event could have been an incentive to improve their water competence. © 2022, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid y CV Ciencias del Deporte. All rights reserved.
A systematic review of alcohol education programs for young people : do these programs change behavior?
- Calverley, Hannah, Petrass, Lauren, Blitvich, Jennifer
- Authors: Calverley, Hannah , Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health education research Vol. 36, no. 1 (2021), p. 87-99
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Numerous education programs have addressed young peoples' alcohol use. To date, no peer-reviewed publication has evaluated the effectiveness of such programs delivered across a range of contexts to change alcohol-related behaviors, attitudes and/or knowledge. This systematic review aimed to identify alcohol education programs addressing young people, and determine whether they changed alcohol-related behavior, knowledge and attitudes; and, ascertain components of successful programs. Studies were identified, guided by the PRISMA review process, from the earliest records until June 2020. Included studies (N = 70) comprised an alcohol education program which focused on young people (15-24 years). Forty programs reported behavior changes, and these programs were the highest quality. Others impacted attitudes and/or knowledge only (n = 12); or reported no impacts (n = 17). Recent programs were more likely than older programs to feature online delivery and report behavior changes. To enhance alcohol education, future programs should include the identified quality criteria, alongside process and long-term outcome evaluations, to better monitor effectiveness. Findings indicated some education programs have capacity to positively change alcohol-related behavior; however, outcome consistency varied even in high-quality programs. Alcohol education programs should be designed alongside health education/promotion models and best-practice recommendations, to improve the likelihood of desirable behavior-related outcomes. © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
- Description: Numerous education programs have addressed young peoples' alcohol use. To date, no peer-reviewed publication has evaluated the effectiveness of such programs delivered across a range of contexts to change alcohol-related behaviors, attitudes and/or knowledge. This systematic review aimed to identify alcohol education programs addressing young people, and determine whether they changed alcohol-related behavior, knowledge and attitudes; and, ascertain components of successful programs. Studies were identified, guided by the PRISMA review process, from the earliest records until June 2020. Included studies (N = 70) comprised an alcohol education program which focused on young people (15-24 years). Forty programs reported behavior changes, and these programs were the highest quality. Others impacted attitudes and/or knowledge only (n = 12); or reported no impacts (n = 17). Recent programs were more likely than older programs to feature online delivery and report behavior changes. To enhance alcohol education, future programs should include the identified quality criteria, alongside process and long-term outcome evaluations, to better monitor effectiveness. Findings indicated some education programs have capacity to positively change alcohol-related behavior; however, outcome consistency varied even in high-quality programs. Alcohol education programs should be designed alongside health education/promotion models and best-practice recommendations, to improve the likelihood of desirable behavior-related outcomes. © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.
- Authors: Calverley, Hannah , Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health education research Vol. 36, no. 1 (2021), p. 87-99
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Numerous education programs have addressed young peoples' alcohol use. To date, no peer-reviewed publication has evaluated the effectiveness of such programs delivered across a range of contexts to change alcohol-related behaviors, attitudes and/or knowledge. This systematic review aimed to identify alcohol education programs addressing young people, and determine whether they changed alcohol-related behavior, knowledge and attitudes; and, ascertain components of successful programs. Studies were identified, guided by the PRISMA review process, from the earliest records until June 2020. Included studies (N = 70) comprised an alcohol education program which focused on young people (15-24 years). Forty programs reported behavior changes, and these programs were the highest quality. Others impacted attitudes and/or knowledge only (n = 12); or reported no impacts (n = 17). Recent programs were more likely than older programs to feature online delivery and report behavior changes. To enhance alcohol education, future programs should include the identified quality criteria, alongside process and long-term outcome evaluations, to better monitor effectiveness. Findings indicated some education programs have capacity to positively change alcohol-related behavior; however, outcome consistency varied even in high-quality programs. Alcohol education programs should be designed alongside health education/promotion models and best-practice recommendations, to improve the likelihood of desirable behavior-related outcomes. © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
- Description: Numerous education programs have addressed young peoples' alcohol use. To date, no peer-reviewed publication has evaluated the effectiveness of such programs delivered across a range of contexts to change alcohol-related behaviors, attitudes and/or knowledge. This systematic review aimed to identify alcohol education programs addressing young people, and determine whether they changed alcohol-related behavior, knowledge and attitudes; and, ascertain components of successful programs. Studies were identified, guided by the PRISMA review process, from the earliest records until June 2020. Included studies (N = 70) comprised an alcohol education program which focused on young people (15-24 years). Forty programs reported behavior changes, and these programs were the highest quality. Others impacted attitudes and/or knowledge only (n = 12); or reported no impacts (n = 17). Recent programs were more likely than older programs to feature online delivery and report behavior changes. To enhance alcohol education, future programs should include the identified quality criteria, alongside process and long-term outcome evaluations, to better monitor effectiveness. Findings indicated some education programs have capacity to positively change alcohol-related behavior; however, outcome consistency varied even in high-quality programs. Alcohol education programs should be designed alongside health education/promotion models and best-practice recommendations, to improve the likelihood of desirable behavior-related outcomes. © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.
Getting in : safe water entry competencies
- Moran, Kevin, Blitvich, Jennifer, Petrass, Lauren, McElroy, Keith
- Authors: Moran, Kevin , Blitvich, Jennifer , Petrass, Lauren , McElroy, Keith
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 13, no. 2 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: In high income countries, jumping and diving into water are a small but persistent cause of death and serious injury especially among male youth and young adults. Although water entries maintain a high media profile, little is known about what entry competencies and underlying water safety knowledge youth bring to this practice. Undergraduates enrolled in aquatics (N= 76) completed a survey before attempting 7 entry jumping and diving tasks. While safety attitudes and self-reported behaviours were generally good, considerable variation in practical entry competence was evident. Most completed a deep-water compact jump (87%) and PFD jump (88%) with ease. Many completed a crouch dive (57%) and standing dive (53%) into deep water with ease, but only 33% completed a standing dive from a block/bulkhead (<1m height) with ease. Ways of addressing weaknesses in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours are discussed and recommendations made to enhance the teaching of safe water entry. © 2021 Human Kinetics Publishers Inc.. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Moran, Kevin , Blitvich, Jennifer , Petrass, Lauren , McElroy, Keith
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 13, no. 2 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: In high income countries, jumping and diving into water are a small but persistent cause of death and serious injury especially among male youth and young adults. Although water entries maintain a high media profile, little is known about what entry competencies and underlying water safety knowledge youth bring to this practice. Undergraduates enrolled in aquatics (N= 76) completed a survey before attempting 7 entry jumping and diving tasks. While safety attitudes and self-reported behaviours were generally good, considerable variation in practical entry competence was evident. Most completed a deep-water compact jump (87%) and PFD jump (88%) with ease. Many completed a crouch dive (57%) and standing dive (53%) into deep water with ease, but only 33% completed a standing dive from a block/bulkhead (<1m height) with ease. Ways of addressing weaknesses in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours are discussed and recommendations made to enhance the teaching of safe water entry. © 2021 Human Kinetics Publishers Inc.. All rights reserved.
Predicting young adults’ intentions and involvement in alcohol-influenced aquatic activity
- Calverley, Hannah, Petrass, Lauren, Blitvich, Jennifer
- Authors: Calverley, Hannah , Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 13, no. 3 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Globally, alcohol consumption is a public health issue and a risk factor for drownings among young adults. While studies have identified a prominence of alcohol in youth drownings, little is known about the factors that influence young adults’ involvement in alcohol-influenced aquatic activity. The current study aimed to identify the predictors of young adults’ intention to participate, and past participation, in alcohol-influenced aquatic activity. A reliable and valid survey, informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, was distributed to young adults (aged 18-24 years) educated in the UK and Australia. Cumulative odds ordinal logistic regressions with proportional odds were conducted to establish predictors. Overall, 182 participants completed the survey. Subjective norms (Wald
- Authors: Calverley, Hannah , Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 13, no. 3 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Globally, alcohol consumption is a public health issue and a risk factor for drownings among young adults. While studies have identified a prominence of alcohol in youth drownings, little is known about the factors that influence young adults’ involvement in alcohol-influenced aquatic activity. The current study aimed to identify the predictors of young adults’ intention to participate, and past participation, in alcohol-influenced aquatic activity. A reliable and valid survey, informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, was distributed to young adults (aged 18-24 years) educated in the UK and Australia. Cumulative odds ordinal logistic regressions with proportional odds were conducted to establish predictors. Overall, 182 participants completed the survey. Subjective norms (Wald
Water safety education programs in culturally and linguistically diverse seattle communities : program design and pilot evaluation
- Koon, William, Bennett, Elizabeth, Stempski, Sarah, Blitvich, Jennifer
- Authors: Koon, William , Bennett, Elizabeth , Stempski, Sarah , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 13, no. 2 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Drowning is a public health concern that disproportionally affects children and minorities in Washington State. Community health educators from Seattle Children's Hospital designed a Water Safety Education and Lifejacket Giveaway Program for low-income parents of preschool-aged children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The program was interpreted into multiple languages and parents and children in attendance received free lifejackets. The mixed-methods pilot evaluation of this program found statistically significant relationships between language and self-reported parent swim skill level (English-speaker OR 4.6; 95%CI: 1.84 - 11.54); and confidence of keeping one's child safe (English-speaker OR 3.34; 95%CI: 1.10 - 10.4). Additionally, parents who self-reported that they could swim had four times the odds of feeling confident in keeping their children safe around the water (95% CI: 1.21 - 13.28). Qualitative data from follow-up interviews identified that the program boosted parent knowledge and confidence in safe water practices. Multi-lingual delivery and the role of partner preschools was critical to this program's success. Specific programmatic focus on adult parent/caregiver skills and knowledge that reduce risk around the water should be a priority for future efforts to reduce drowning. © 2021 Human Kinetics Publishers Inc.. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Koon, William , Bennett, Elizabeth , Stempski, Sarah , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 13, no. 2 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Drowning is a public health concern that disproportionally affects children and minorities in Washington State. Community health educators from Seattle Children's Hospital designed a Water Safety Education and Lifejacket Giveaway Program for low-income parents of preschool-aged children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The program was interpreted into multiple languages and parents and children in attendance received free lifejackets. The mixed-methods pilot evaluation of this program found statistically significant relationships between language and self-reported parent swim skill level (English-speaker OR 4.6; 95%CI: 1.84 - 11.54); and confidence of keeping one's child safe (English-speaker OR 3.34; 95%CI: 1.10 - 10.4). Additionally, parents who self-reported that they could swim had four times the odds of feeling confident in keeping their children safe around the water (95% CI: 1.21 - 13.28). Qualitative data from follow-up interviews identified that the program boosted parent knowledge and confidence in safe water practices. Multi-lingual delivery and the role of partner preschools was critical to this program's success. Specific programmatic focus on adult parent/caregiver skills and knowledge that reduce risk around the water should be a priority for future efforts to reduce drowning. © 2021 Human Kinetics Publishers Inc.. All rights reserved.
Alcohol_focused drowning prevention campaigns : what do we know and what should we do now?
- Calverley, Hannah, Petrass, Lauren, Blitvich, Jennifer
- Authors: Calverley, Hannah , Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 12, no. 2 (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Alcohol and drugs have been identified as key risk factors for youth (aged 15-24 years) and adult drownings in high-income countries (HIC). Whilst alcohol specific drowning prevention education programs have been developed and implemented, youth continue to be over-represented in drowning statistics, including those linked with alcohol. Therefore, this project aimed to: (i) review and assess all alcohol themed drowning prevention campaigns within HICs; (ii) determine whether the campaign had undergone evaluation for effectiveness; and (iii) provide recommendations to improve the effectiveness of future interventions. For each of the eighty-one HICs identified for the 2019 fiscal year, searches of peer-reviewed literature (through academic databases) and grey literature (through webpages and emails to organisations) were conducted. Twelve alcohol focused campaigns were identified, with only two providing limited information about program evaluation. For most campaigns identified, there was a dearth of information available and therefore assessment of campaign quality was unfeasible. This brief report highlights a lack of alcohol themed drowning prevention campaigns in HIC, and an absence of evaluations on their effectiveness. Implications associated with a lack of program evaluation are discussed and adoption of the recommendations from this brief report should enhance the quality of future research in this area. © 2020 Human Kinetics Publishers Inc.. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Calverley, Hannah , Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 12, no. 2 (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Alcohol and drugs have been identified as key risk factors for youth (aged 15-24 years) and adult drownings in high-income countries (HIC). Whilst alcohol specific drowning prevention education programs have been developed and implemented, youth continue to be over-represented in drowning statistics, including those linked with alcohol. Therefore, this project aimed to: (i) review and assess all alcohol themed drowning prevention campaigns within HICs; (ii) determine whether the campaign had undergone evaluation for effectiveness; and (iii) provide recommendations to improve the effectiveness of future interventions. For each of the eighty-one HICs identified for the 2019 fiscal year, searches of peer-reviewed literature (through academic databases) and grey literature (through webpages and emails to organisations) were conducted. Twelve alcohol focused campaigns were identified, with only two providing limited information about program evaluation. For most campaigns identified, there was a dearth of information available and therefore assessment of campaign quality was unfeasible. This brief report highlights a lack of alcohol themed drowning prevention campaigns in HIC, and an absence of evaluations on their effectiveness. Implications associated with a lack of program evaluation are discussed and adoption of the recommendations from this brief report should enhance the quality of future research in this area. © 2020 Human Kinetics Publishers Inc.. All rights reserved.
Unobtrusive observation of caregiver-child pairs at public pools and playgrounds: Implications for child unintentional injury risk
- Petrass, Lauren, Blitvich, Jennifer
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 7, no. 3 (2013), p. 204-213
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study aimed to determine and compare the nature of supervision children received in two settings that have different levels of environmental risk, an aquatic setting (public pools) and a nonaquatic setting (playgrounds). An observational design was implemented to examine caregiver and child behaviors at six indoor public pools and four playgrounds. Chi-square tests of homogeneity were conducted to determine associations between caregiver and child variables. Preschool children received significantly higher levels of supervision than school-aged children in both settings. For school-aged children the level of supervision varied between settings, with children significantly more likely to be unsupervised in public pools and poorly supervised on playgrounds. Reasons for the lack of supervision in aquatic settings remain unclear, particularly as this setting was considered to present higher environmental risk, because drowning rates are high for young children. Because evidence indicates inadequate supervision is common in aquatic settings, further investigations are required to identify ways to promote closer supervision practices and determine caregiver perceptions regarding their responsibilities when supervising young children in aquatic settings.
- Description: C1
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 7, no. 3 (2013), p. 204-213
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study aimed to determine and compare the nature of supervision children received in two settings that have different levels of environmental risk, an aquatic setting (public pools) and a nonaquatic setting (playgrounds). An observational design was implemented to examine caregiver and child behaviors at six indoor public pools and four playgrounds. Chi-square tests of homogeneity were conducted to determine associations between caregiver and child variables. Preschool children received significantly higher levels of supervision than school-aged children in both settings. For school-aged children the level of supervision varied between settings, with children significantly more likely to be unsupervised in public pools and poorly supervised on playgrounds. Reasons for the lack of supervision in aquatic settings remain unclear, particularly as this setting was considered to present higher environmental risk, because drowning rates are high for young children. Because evidence indicates inadequate supervision is common in aquatic settings, further investigations are required to identify ways to promote closer supervision practices and determine caregiver perceptions regarding their responsibilities when supervising young children in aquatic settings.
- Description: C1
Can you swim? An exploration of measuring real and perceived water competency
- Moran, Kevin, Stallman, Robert, Kjendlie, PerLudvik, Dahl, Dagmar, Blitvich, Jennifer, Petrass, Lauren, McElroy, G. Keith, Goya, Toshiaki, Teramoto, Keisuke, Matsui, Atsunori, Shimongata, Shuji
- Authors: Moran, Kevin , Stallman, Robert , Kjendlie, PerLudvik , Dahl, Dagmar , Blitvich, Jennifer , Petrass, Lauren , McElroy, G. Keith , Goya, Toshiaki , Teramoto, Keisuke , Matsui, Atsunori , Shimongata, Shuji
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 6, no. 2 (2012), p. 122-135
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Little is known about the relationship between real and perceived water competence among youth in the context of drowning prevention or of their perceptions of their risk of drowning. This study reports the findings of an international project entitled Can You Swim? Collegiate physical education students (n = 373) were assessed in a two-part study using an initial questionnaire survey to provide self-estimates of water competency and risk perception, followed by six practical tests in the water. Correlation coefficients between perceived and real swimming (rs = 0.369) and floating (rs = 0.583) skills were significant but only moderate in strength. No significant gender differences in real or perceived water competency were found. Significantly more males than females estimated lower risk of drowning associated with a series of aquatic scenarios (p = 0.016). The implications of these findings on drowning prevention and the need for further investigation are discussed. © 2012 Human Kinetics, Inc.
- Description: 2003010691
- Authors: Moran, Kevin , Stallman, Robert , Kjendlie, PerLudvik , Dahl, Dagmar , Blitvich, Jennifer , Petrass, Lauren , McElroy, G. Keith , Goya, Toshiaki , Teramoto, Keisuke , Matsui, Atsunori , Shimongata, Shuji
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 6, no. 2 (2012), p. 122-135
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Little is known about the relationship between real and perceived water competence among youth in the context of drowning prevention or of their perceptions of their risk of drowning. This study reports the findings of an international project entitled Can You Swim? Collegiate physical education students (n = 373) were assessed in a two-part study using an initial questionnaire survey to provide self-estimates of water competency and risk perception, followed by six practical tests in the water. Correlation coefficients between perceived and real swimming (rs = 0.369) and floating (rs = 0.583) skills were significant but only moderate in strength. No significant gender differences in real or perceived water competency were found. Significantly more males than females estimated lower risk of drowning associated with a series of aquatic scenarios (p = 0.016). The implications of these findings on drowning prevention and the need for further investigation are discussed. © 2012 Human Kinetics, Inc.
- Description: 2003010691
Swim instructor beliefs about toddler and preschool swimming and water safety education
- Blitvich, Jennifer, Moran, Kevin, Petrass, Lauren, McElroy, G. Keith, Stanley, Teresa
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , Moran, Kevin , Petrass, Lauren , McElroy, G. Keith , Stanley, Teresa
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 6, no. 2 (2012), p. 110-121
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To study the teacher component of the parent-teacher-learner triad in preschool aquatics and explore compatibility of instructor messages with current drowning prevention beliefs, 133 preschool aquatics instructors were surveyed. Instructors with basic swim teacher accreditation and those with a preschool/infant instructor extension ("Extension") were compared. More Extension instructors selected "safety" as an important outcome (
- Description: 2003010690
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , Moran, Kevin , Petrass, Lauren , McElroy, G. Keith , Stanley, Teresa
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 6, no. 2 (2012), p. 110-121
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To study the teacher component of the parent-teacher-learner triad in preschool aquatics and explore compatibility of instructor messages with current drowning prevention beliefs, 133 preschool aquatics instructors were surveyed. Instructors with basic swim teacher accreditation and those with a preschool/infant instructor extension ("Extension") were compared. More Extension instructors selected "safety" as an important outcome (
- Description: 2003010690
The nature of caregiver supervision of young children in public pools
- Petrass, Lauren, Blitvich, Jennifer
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 6, no. 1 (2012), p. 11-23
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study examined the level of caregiver supervision when children were engaged in active play at public pools. A six-hour unobtrusive observation period was conducted at six different indoor aquatic venues with caregivers accompanying children aged < 10 years eligible to be monitored. Child behavior, corresponding caregiver supervision, and the willingness of parents to intervene when children exhibited unsafe behaviors all were considered. Environmental factors and pool conditions were also recorded. Chi-square tests illustrated that increased supervision was associated with decreased incidents and lower risk behaviors. Supervision was significantly affected by child and caregiver age, number of children for whom caregivers were responsible, and child swimming ability. The nature of caregiver supervision in aquatic settings requires further investigation to enable the development of effective programs to address poor supervision practices. © 2012 Human Kinetics, Inc.
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 6, no. 1 (2012), p. 11-23
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study examined the level of caregiver supervision when children were engaged in active play at public pools. A six-hour unobtrusive observation period was conducted at six different indoor aquatic venues with caregivers accompanying children aged < 10 years eligible to be monitored. Child behavior, corresponding caregiver supervision, and the willingness of parents to intervene when children exhibited unsafe behaviors all were considered. Environmental factors and pool conditions were also recorded. Chi-square tests illustrated that increased supervision was associated with decreased incidents and lower risk behaviors. Supervision was significantly affected by child and caregiver age, number of children for whom caregivers were responsible, and child swimming ability. The nature of caregiver supervision in aquatic settings requires further investigation to enable the development of effective programs to address poor supervision practices. © 2012 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Measuring children's self-reported sport participation, risk perception and injury history : Development and validation of a survey instrument
- Siesmaa, Emma, Blitvich, Jennifer, White, Peta, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Siesmaa, Emma , Blitvich, Jennifer , White, Peta , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 14, no. 1 (2011), p. 22-26
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite the health benefits associated with children's sport participation, the occurrence of injury in this context is common. The extent to which sport injuries impact children's ongoing involvement in sport is largely unknown. Surveys have been shown to be useful for collecting children's injury and sport participation data; however, there are currently no published instruments which investigate the impact of injury on children's sport participation. This study describes the processes undertaken to assess the validity of two survey instruments for collecting self-reported information about child cricket and netball related participation, injury history and injury risk perceptions, as well as the reliability of the cricket-specific version. Face and content validity were assessed through expert feedback from primary and secondary level teachers and from representatives of peak sporting bodies for cricket and netball. Test-retest reliability was measured using a sample of 59 child cricketers who completed the survey on two occasions, 3-4 weeks apart. Based on expert feedback relating to face and content validity, modification and/or deletion of some survey items was undertaken. Survey items with low test-retest reliability (κ≤ 0.40) were modified or deleted, items with moderate reliability (κ=0.41-0.60) were modified slightly and items with higher reliability (κ≥ 0.61) were retained, with some undergoing minor modifications. This is the first survey of its kind which has been successfully administered to cricketers aged 10-16 years to collect information about injury risk perceptions and intentions for continued sport participation. Implications for its generalisation to other child sport participants are discussed. © 2010 Sports Medicine Australia.
- Authors: Siesmaa, Emma , Blitvich, Jennifer , White, Peta , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 14, no. 1 (2011), p. 22-26
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite the health benefits associated with children's sport participation, the occurrence of injury in this context is common. The extent to which sport injuries impact children's ongoing involvement in sport is largely unknown. Surveys have been shown to be useful for collecting children's injury and sport participation data; however, there are currently no published instruments which investigate the impact of injury on children's sport participation. This study describes the processes undertaken to assess the validity of two survey instruments for collecting self-reported information about child cricket and netball related participation, injury history and injury risk perceptions, as well as the reliability of the cricket-specific version. Face and content validity were assessed through expert feedback from primary and secondary level teachers and from representatives of peak sporting bodies for cricket and netball. Test-retest reliability was measured using a sample of 59 child cricketers who completed the survey on two occasions, 3-4 weeks apart. Based on expert feedback relating to face and content validity, modification and/or deletion of some survey items was undertaken. Survey items with low test-retest reliability (κ≤ 0.40) were modified or deleted, items with moderate reliability (κ=0.41-0.60) were modified slightly and items with higher reliability (κ≥ 0.61) were retained, with some undergoing minor modifications. This is the first survey of its kind which has been successfully administered to cricketers aged 10-16 years to collect information about injury risk perceptions and intentions for continued sport participation. Implications for its generalisation to other child sport participants are discussed. © 2010 Sports Medicine Australia.
Methodological approaches used to assess the relationship between parental supervision and child injury risk
- Petrass, Lauren, Finch, Caroline, Blitvich, Jennifer
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Finch, Caroline , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 15, no. 2 (2009), p. 132-138
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To describe and rate the quality of methodological approaches used to measure parental supervision in relation to injury risk in children aged 0-14 years. Design: A systematic review of the literature related to supervision and injury risk. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases from the earliest records available to the end of 2007, and supplemental hand-searching of relevant journals, reference lists of studies identified through database searches, and bibliographies of systematic and non-systematic reviews. A classification scale was used to rate the methodological quality of studies. Results: 30 papers met the inclusion criteria. They varied substantially in quality, and no meta-analyses or randomised controlled trials were identified. Fifteen studies used self-report approaches, asking parents or care givers to report through recording diaries, interviews and questionnaires and were considered of low quality; 11 studies reconstructed injury outcomes retrospectively. Observational studies were conducted in both laboratory and natural settings (n=6), and these studies were generally of higher quality than self-report methods. Conclusions: The quality of many supervision and child injury risk studies is low to moderate. Further development of methodological approaches is needed to improve studies of the relationship between supervision and child injury risk.
- Description: 2003008187
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Finch, Caroline , Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 15, no. 2 (2009), p. 132-138
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To describe and rate the quality of methodological approaches used to measure parental supervision in relation to injury risk in children aged 0-14 years. Design: A systematic review of the literature related to supervision and injury risk. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases from the earliest records available to the end of 2007, and supplemental hand-searching of relevant journals, reference lists of studies identified through database searches, and bibliographies of systematic and non-systematic reviews. A classification scale was used to rate the methodological quality of studies. Results: 30 papers met the inclusion criteria. They varied substantially in quality, and no meta-analyses or randomised controlled trials were identified. Fifteen studies used self-report approaches, asking parents or care givers to report through recording diaries, interviews and questionnaires and were considered of low quality; 11 studies reconstructed injury outcomes retrospectively. Observational studies were conducted in both laboratory and natural settings (n=6), and these studies were generally of higher quality than self-report methods. Conclusions: The quality of many supervision and child injury risk studies is low to moderate. Further development of methodological approaches is needed to improve studies of the relationship between supervision and child injury risk.
- Description: 2003008187
Parent/caregiver supervision and child injury : A systematic review of critical dimensions for understanding this relationship
- Petrass, Lauren, Blitvich, Jennifer, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Family & Community Health Vol. 33, no. 2 (Apr-Jun 2009), p. 123-135
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study reviewed the relationship between recognized dimensions of supervision and children's injuries based on Saluja et al's (Injury Control and Safety Promotion. 2004; 11: 17-22) hierarchal model of supervision strategies. A systematic review of peer-review studies was clone with the earliest records available to 2007. There were 112 potentially relevant articles identified; 31 studies met all inclusion criteria. Reported Studies were categorized according to the dimensions Of supervision they addressed. Studies were not evenly distributed across the dimensions. There was evidence from the Study that directly linking dimensions of supervision to child injury risk and outcomes is scarce. future studies should consider attention, proximity, and continuity Of supervision to provide a holistic understanding of the relationship between Supervision and injury
- Description: 2003008201
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Family & Community Health Vol. 33, no. 2 (Apr-Jun 2009), p. 123-135
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study reviewed the relationship between recognized dimensions of supervision and children's injuries based on Saluja et al's (Injury Control and Safety Promotion. 2004; 11: 17-22) hierarchal model of supervision strategies. A systematic review of peer-review studies was clone with the earliest records available to 2007. There were 112 potentially relevant articles identified; 31 studies met all inclusion criteria. Reported Studies were categorized according to the dimensions Of supervision they addressed. Studies were not evenly distributed across the dimensions. There was evidence from the Study that directly linking dimensions of supervision to child injury risk and outcomes is scarce. future studies should consider attention, proximity, and continuity Of supervision to provide a holistic understanding of the relationship between Supervision and injury
- Description: 2003008201
Drowning in Australia is more than coastal drowning
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 11, no. 2 (2008), p. 84-85
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: C1
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 11, no. 2 (2008), p. 84-85
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: C1
How do parents supervise their children at pools and playgrounds?
- Petrass, Lauren, Blitvich, Jennifer, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 2008 Australian Water Safety Conference : Water safety - everyone's responsibility, Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales : 15th-16th May 2008 p. 30-33
- Full Text:
- Description: Methods: A six-hour observation of behaviour potentially associated with injury risk was conducted at six public pools and four playgrounds. Supervision and behaviour were quantified using an observational tool based on the Saluja et al.1 model and Morrongiello’s 2 definition of supervision. Infants to 10 year-old children engaged in play and their carers were observed. Child behaviour, corresponding parent supervision, and parental intervention were recorded. Results/Evaluation: Chi-square tests showed higher levels of supervision were associated with specific behaviours in pools and playgrounds. Factors significantly linked to level of parental supervision included child age; parent age; number of children for whom parents were responsible; and in aquatic settings, swimming ability of the child. Discussion: Level of parental supervision differs with children’s play. Despite increased dangers in aquatic environments, parents supervised less at pools than playgrounds highlighting inappropriate parental dependence on lifeguards. Conclusion: Future research examining the relationship between supervision and young children’s risk of drowning at other aquatic environments is required. Attention, proximity and continuity of supervision should be assessed. Findings will enable key water safety stakeholders to further highlight this phenomenon in drowning prevention programs.
- Description: 2003007681
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 2008 Australian Water Safety Conference : Water safety - everyone's responsibility, Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales : 15th-16th May 2008 p. 30-33
- Full Text:
- Description: Methods: A six-hour observation of behaviour potentially associated with injury risk was conducted at six public pools and four playgrounds. Supervision and behaviour were quantified using an observational tool based on the Saluja et al.1 model and Morrongiello’s 2 definition of supervision. Infants to 10 year-old children engaged in play and their carers were observed. Child behaviour, corresponding parent supervision, and parental intervention were recorded. Results/Evaluation: Chi-square tests showed higher levels of supervision were associated with specific behaviours in pools and playgrounds. Factors significantly linked to level of parental supervision included child age; parent age; number of children for whom parents were responsible; and in aquatic settings, swimming ability of the child. Discussion: Level of parental supervision differs with children’s play. Despite increased dangers in aquatic environments, parents supervised less at pools than playgrounds highlighting inappropriate parental dependence on lifeguards. Conclusion: Future research examining the relationship between supervision and young children’s risk of drowning at other aquatic environments is required. Attention, proximity and continuity of supervision should be assessed. Findings will enable key water safety stakeholders to further highlight this phenomenon in drowning prevention programs.
- Description: 2003007681
Moving forward : How best do we investigate parental supervision of children at the beach?
- Blitvich, Jennifer, Petrass, Lauren, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , Petrass, Lauren , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 2008 Australian Water Safety Conference : Water safety - everyone's responsibility, Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales : 15th-16th May 2008 p. 103-106
- Full Text:
- Description: Introduction/background: Previous University of Ballarat research identified that parents supervise their children with less vigilance at swimming pools than playgrounds, despite the serious consequences potentially associated with inadequate supervision at pools. The closed environment of public pools and the presence of lifeguards may be influential in lowering parental guard. The proposed research project aims to investigate parental supervision at beaches, specifically related to child injury risk and drowning prevention. The research is still in the design phase and the researchers seek input from water safety experts to assist in project development. This session will be interactive, providing ample opportunity for audience members to contribute to discussion. Methods: Following a brief outline of our research to date and current plans for further research, the presenters will invite expert comment from conference delegates regarding study design. It is anticipated that the ensuing discussion will be interesting and stimulating. Discussion: Consequent to this session and the discussion it fosters, the researchers will refine their research plans. The opportunity to receive input from the group of interested and concerned individuals who make up the Water Safety 2008 audience will enhance the proposed research, leading to an improved research project, the findings of which will help water safety stakeholders in targeting their drowning prevention programs. Conclusion: Expert opinion is a recognised process for research design development. Water Safety 2008 provides an ideal forum to enhance the proposed research through interaction with practitioners. In turn, the findings of this research will provide important information to those actively involved in the fight against drowning.
- Description: 2003007659
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , Petrass, Lauren , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 2008 Australian Water Safety Conference : Water safety - everyone's responsibility, Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales : 15th-16th May 2008 p. 103-106
- Full Text:
- Description: Introduction/background: Previous University of Ballarat research identified that parents supervise their children with less vigilance at swimming pools than playgrounds, despite the serious consequences potentially associated with inadequate supervision at pools. The closed environment of public pools and the presence of lifeguards may be influential in lowering parental guard. The proposed research project aims to investigate parental supervision at beaches, specifically related to child injury risk and drowning prevention. The research is still in the design phase and the researchers seek input from water safety experts to assist in project development. This session will be interactive, providing ample opportunity for audience members to contribute to discussion. Methods: Following a brief outline of our research to date and current plans for further research, the presenters will invite expert comment from conference delegates regarding study design. It is anticipated that the ensuing discussion will be interesting and stimulating. Discussion: Consequent to this session and the discussion it fosters, the researchers will refine their research plans. The opportunity to receive input from the group of interested and concerned individuals who make up the Water Safety 2008 audience will enhance the proposed research, leading to an improved research project, the findings of which will help water safety stakeholders in targeting their drowning prevention programs. Conclusion: Expert opinion is a recognised process for research design development. Water Safety 2008 provides an ideal forum to enhance the proposed research through interaction with practitioners. In turn, the findings of this research will provide important information to those actively involved in the fight against drowning.
- Description: 2003007659
Waterslide exit velocities, user behaviours and injury prevention
- Blitvich, Jennifer, McElroy, G. Keith
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , McElroy, G. Keith
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International journal of injury control and safety promotion Vol. 14, no. 1 (2007), p. 54-56
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: 2003005672
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , McElroy, G. Keith
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International journal of injury control and safety promotion Vol. 14, no. 1 (2007), p. 54-56
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: 2003005672
Long term retention of safe diving skills
- Blitvich, Jennifer, McElroy, G. Keith, Blanksby, Brian, Parker, H. E.
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , McElroy, G. Keith , Blanksby, Brian , Parker, H. E.
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 6, no. 3 (2003), p. 348-354
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This short report describes a 20-month follow-up of safe diving skills, extending the 8-month retention period previously published in this journal. Thirty-four recreational swimmers with poor diving skills were evaluated before and immediately after a diving skills intervention program. Twenty-two returned for the eight-month follow-up evaluation and 16 returned 20 months post. As with the earlier study, Treadwater, Deck, Block and Running dives were video-recorded, and maximum depth, distance, velocity, entry angle and flight distance were compared. Underwater hand and arm positions were examined. Pre-intervention, a breaststroke arm action before maximum depth occurred in 18% of all dives and 38% of Treadwater dives. This was eliminated post-intervention, improving head protection. The Treadwater dive elicited the greatest mean maximum depth, and ANOVA showed depth for this entry decreased (improved) following intervention and remained shallower at the eight-month and 20-month post follow-ups. The Block dive also became shallower following intervention while the Deck dive remained unchanged. As seven 10-minute skills sessions resulted in shallower dives with safer hand and arm positions, and these skills were retained over a 600 day non-practice period, it is reliable to consider that the inclusion of safe diving skills in learn-to-swim programs can provide a diving spinal cord injury prevention strategy.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000626
Retention of safe diving skills
- Blitvich, Jennifer, McElroy, G. Keith, Blanksby, Brian, Parker, H. E.
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , McElroy, G. Keith , Blanksby, Brian , Parker, H. E.
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 6, no. 2 (2003), p. 155-165
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study investigated diving skill maintenance over an eight-month retention period following an intervention program. Thirty-four recreational swimmers with poor diving skills were measured before and immediately after a diving skills intervention program. Twenty-two returned for follow-up evaluation. Treadwater, Deck and Block dives were video-recorded, and maximum depth, distance, velocity, entry angle and flight distance were compared. Underwater hand and arm positions were examined. Pre-intervention, a breaststroke arm action before maximum depth occurred in 18% of all dives and 38% of Treadwater dives. This was eliminated post-intervention, improving head protection. The Treadwater dive elicited the greatest mean maximum depth, and ANOVA showed depth for this entry decreased (improved) following intervention and remained shallower at follow-up. Deck and Block dives also became shallower following intervention. As seven 10-minute skills sessions resulted in shallower dives with safer hand and arm positions, including safe diving skills in learn-to-swim programs can provide a diving spinal cord injury prevention strategy.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000629
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , McElroy, G. Keith , Blanksby, Brian , Parker, H. E.
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 6, no. 2 (2003), p. 155-165
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study investigated diving skill maintenance over an eight-month retention period following an intervention program. Thirty-four recreational swimmers with poor diving skills were measured before and immediately after a diving skills intervention program. Twenty-two returned for follow-up evaluation. Treadwater, Deck and Block dives were video-recorded, and maximum depth, distance, velocity, entry angle and flight distance were compared. Underwater hand and arm positions were examined. Pre-intervention, a breaststroke arm action before maximum depth occurred in 18% of all dives and 38% of Treadwater dives. This was eliminated post-intervention, improving head protection. The Treadwater dive elicited the greatest mean maximum depth, and ANOVA showed depth for this entry decreased (improved) following intervention and remained shallower at follow-up. Deck and Block dives also became shallower following intervention. As seven 10-minute skills sessions resulted in shallower dives with safer hand and arm positions, including safe diving skills in learn-to-swim programs can provide a diving spinal cord injury prevention strategy.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000629
Water safety & diving safety : Preventing injury through safer diving
- Blitvich, Jennifer, McElroy, G. Keith, Blanksby, Brian
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , McElroy, G. Keith , Blanksby, Brian
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 2003 Water Safety Conference, Sydney : 22nd September, 2003 p. 97-102
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000631
- Authors: Blitvich, Jennifer , McElroy, G. Keith , Blanksby, Brian
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 2003 Water Safety Conference, Sydney : 22nd September, 2003 p. 97-102
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000631