Effectiveness of a Health Education Program in a Lower Socioeconomic Population

Abstract

When teaching home safety, we selectively highlight those hazards most likely to injure children at various developmental stages. In one of the few studies evaluating this approach, we successfully taught a middle class population appropriate home use of ipecac syrup. The study reported herein replicated that study in a lower socioeconomic population. Although learning occurred, statistical significance was not quite achieved.

While this study does not refute the "targeted" approach, it does demonstrate that characteristics of the population are likely to affect the educational outcome. Impressive statistical improvement may not be demonstrated. Individual realistic goals must be established prior to implementation and evaluation of a program.