1Research Division, Gulf Medical University Ajman, UAE
2Gulf Medical University Ajman, UAE, PO Box 4184
3Dept. of Community Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Pariyaram Medical College P O Kannur, Kerala, India
4Dept. of Community Medicine, Sree Gokulum Medical College and Research Foundation Venjarumoodu, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
*Address for Correspondence: Dr. Jayakumary M, MD Research Associate, Research Division Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE Phone - 971 507961051 Mobile -971 6746333 (Extn 326) Fax - 971 7438800, drjayakumary@gmail.com
Online published on 1 October, 2011.
Background
Among children road traffic accidents is a major public health issue in many countries. The health habits developed during school age will pass on the succeeding phases of life. School teachers are excellent resources to impart knowledge on road safety measures to children.
Methods
This cross sectional study was carried out to assess the scope and extent to which school teachers are participating in providing knowledge on road safety measures to school children and to determine the potential barriers that hinder their participation in providing knowledge on road safety measures to school children. A pilot tested structured close ended self-administered questionnaire was distributed among teachers who were willing to take part in the study by signing an informed consent form.
Results
Among 127 female participants, 90 (70.9%) teachers were willing to take part in health related activities and among 73 male teachers it was found to be 62 (84.9%). Among the participants, 76% of the teachers were willing to impart knowledge on road safety measures to school children. The association (p<0.05) between willingness to impart knowledge on road safety measures and years of teaching experience was statistically significant. Potential barriers in providing knowledge on road safety measures were lack of time and busy teaching schedule.
Conclusion
Teachers can play a pivotal role in providing road safety measures to school children because of their proximity to school children. There is a need to explore the possibilities of including road safety measures to be followed by school children through school curricula.
Knowledge, Facilitator, Road safety, School teachers, Children
