Effective communication with caregivers to prevent unintentional injuries in children under seven years. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

This review systematically examines the theory base and effectiveness of communication strategies (i.e., message content, message attributes, communication channels, and communicators) of interventions for caregivers to prevent unintentional child injuries.

METHODS

Relevant articles were searched in the databases Communication and Mass Media Complete, PsycInfo, Pubmed, and Google Scholar, the journal Injury Prevention, and the literature of included studies. A total of 71 articles reporting 67 different studies were included and fully coded. Quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Coded categories and their frequencies are described, and the effectiveness of different communication strategies is explored with crosstabs.

RESULTS

Only 17 studies stated the use of a specific theory base; Precaution Adoption Process-Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Health Belief Model were most often used. The message content of most studies aimed at knowledge dissemination; however, addressing behavioral determinants, such as risk perception and self-efficacy, was more effective. About half of the studies did not elaborate on message attributes; calls to action, exemplars, and tailoring were most often used, the latter being most effective. Communication channels ranged from printed products to face-to-face communication and digital media. In addition, studies specifying interpersonal communicators were highly effective.

CONCLUSION

The results of the review suggest that the following aspects can contribute to effective communication in child injury prevention: theory-based communication, addressing broad knowledge and further behavioral determinants, digital tailoring, and health professionals as communicators. However, a conclusive statement on the effectiveness of different communication strategies is hampered by the fact that they are not specified and/or confounded in many studies.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Communication strategies should be theory based and address, in addition to knowledge, behavioral determinants such as risk perception and self-efficacy. Moreover, digital tailoring is an advanced way of enhancing effectiveness and health professionals, such as pediatricians and clinic staff, are important multipliers.