Journal article
Applying the mental models framework to carbon monoxide risk in northern Mexico
Revista panamericana de salud pública, v 25(3), pp 242-253
Mar 2009
PMID: 19454152
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Low-income residents of northern Mexico rely on unvented heaters during the winter, a practice that puts them at elevated risk for carbon monoxide intoxication. The goal of this study is to develop a communication protocol for carbon monoxide intoxication risks among the primarily low socioeconomic status population of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
The mental models risk communication approach was used to identify important gaps in public understanding. This approach consists of step-by-step assessment of information needs and effectiveness of risk communication efforts by using interviews and surveys.
The mental models process uncovered a key technical misunderstanding, the subject population's belief that carbon monoxide can be seen or smelled, which may result in a risk-prone behavior: failure to use a carbon monoxide detector. A communication protocol was designed to address this and other knowledge gaps, and it produced significant improvements in subjects' knowledge in a pretest/posttest evaluation.
The mental models process was successful in developing a communication instrument capable of improving knowledge in the subject population. Future research needs include assessing the extent to which this instrument succeeds in changing behavior and reducing the risk of carbon monoxide intoxication. Future interventional efforts may focus on encouraging people to use carbon monoxide detectors.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Applying the mental models framework to carbon monoxide risk in northern Mexico
- Creators
- Heather C Galada - Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of AmericaPatrick L GurianVeronica Corella-BarudFrank G PérezGilberto Velázquez-AnguloSusana FloresTeresa Montoya
- Publication Details
- Revista panamericana de salud pública, v 25(3), pp 242-253
- Publisher
- United States
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000266912500008
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-67651113631
- Other Identifier
- 991014878019704721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health