Effectiveness of computer-based tailoring versus targeting to promote use of hearing protection

Madeleine J. Kerr, Kay Savik, Karen A. Monsen, Sally L. Lusk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 2 computer-based interventions and booster messages on construction workers' use of hearing protection. Construction workers (n = 343) were randomly assigned to receive tailored (addressing individual characteristics) or targeted (addressing shared characteristics) education, with or without booster messages, in an experimental 4-group pretest-post-test design. Post hoc message matching compared the value of tailored and targeted approaches. Participants improved use of hearing protection from 42% to 50% of the time they were exposed to noise 1 year post-intervention. Differences between intervention groups were not significant. The significant improvement in use of hearing protection demonstrates that interventions can have an impact on preventing noise-induced hearing loss. Since targeted and tailored intervention groups did not significantly differ in use of hearing protection, and since targeted interventions are less costly to develop, targeted interventions offer greater value.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)80-97
Number of pages18
JournalCanadian Journal of Nursing Research
Volume39
Issue number1
StatePublished - Mar 1 2007

Keywords

  • Computer-assisted instruction
  • Ear protective devices
  • Noise-induced hearing loss
  • Randomized controlled trial

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