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Accepted (AM)Open Access (License Unspecified), Open
Journal article
Low life jacket use among adult recreational boaters: A qualitative study of risk perception and behavior factors
Accident analysis and prevention, v 62, pp 276-284
01 Jan 2014
PMID: 24211559
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Background: Life jackets may prevent one in two drowning deaths, however, 85% of recreational boating-related drowning victims in the United States in 2012 did not wear a life jacket. This study explored behavioral factors and strategies to encourage consistent life jacket use among adult recreational boaters.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative study among boat owners who boat regularly, and explored factors associated with life jacket use by adults and child or adolescent passengers. Sixteen boaters participated in four focus groups.
Results: Most boaters reported inconsistent use of life jackets, using them only when conditions were poor. Each described episodes of unpredictable boating risk which occurred despite favorable conditions. Most required younger child passengers to wear a life jacket, but reported resistance among older children. Barriers to consistent life jacket use included discomfort and the belief that life jacket use indicated inexperience or poor swimming ability. Participants stated that laws requiring life jacket use would change behavior especially for children. The only demonstrated behavior change among group members was associated with use of inflatable life jacket devices.
Conclusions: Boating risk is inherently unpredictable; therefore interventions should focus on strategies for increasing consistent use of life jackets. Passage and enforcement of life jacket legislation for older children and adults is likely a promising approach for behavior change. Designing more comfortable, better-fitting, more appealing life jackets will be paramount to encouraging consistent use.
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Details
- Title
- Low life jacket use among adult recreational boaters: A qualitative study of risk perception and behavior factors
- Creators
- Duane Alex Quistberg - University of WashingtonElizabeth Bennett - Seattle Children's HospitalLinda Quan - Harborview Injury Prevention and Research CenterBeth E. Ebel - University of Washington
- Publication Details
- Accident analysis and prevention, v 62, pp 276-284
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 9
- Grant note
- R49CE000197 / NATIONAL CENTER FOR INJURY PREVENTION AND CONTROL; United States Department of Health & Human Services; Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA T32HD057822 / EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD) 3R49CE00197; R49 CE000197 / NCIPC CDC HHS 5T32HD057822; T32 HD057822 / NICHD NIH HHS; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Urban Health Collaborative; Environmental and Occupational Health
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000329599800032
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-84887694854
- Other Identifier
- 991019186949204721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Ergonomics
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
- Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
- Transportation