Effectiveness of Educational Interventions on Fireworks-related Injuries among Schoolboys.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the effectiveness of educational interventions in increasing the perceived risk of fireworks and preventing fireworks-related injuries among male teenagers.

METHODS: In a field trial, using a cluster sampling approach, 3 high-, middle- and low-income municipality districts were selected. In each district, 5 male middle and high schools were randomly selected and assigned into one control and 4 intervention groups: (1) distribution of a multimedia disk regarding injury victims; (2) distribution of safety brochures; (3) mailing to parents from schools discussing the risk of fireworks and limiting the fireworks budget; and (4) peer-to-peer education by trained students about the risks of fireworks. Safety instructions were included in all interventions.

RESULTS: After analyzing 1584 students' responses, the use of firecracker inversely correlated with the economic level of families (p < .001). The risk factors for fireworks-related injury (N = 31, 2.0%) included use of hazardous fireworks, making bonfires, history of fireworks-related injury, fireworks budget, and "willingness to pay." Preventive interventions did not statistically change the use of fireworks, fireworks budget, making a bonfire, and fireworks-related injuries compared with the preceding year. The interest in hazardous fire crackers was less in intervention group; however, no statistically significant differences among the different interventions were observed.

CONCLUSION: The interventions failed to lessen risky behaviors and fireworks-related injuries among male teenagers.