Hearing loss prevention for carpenters: Part 1 - Using health communication and health promotion models to develop training that works

Abstract

In phase 1 of a large multiyear effort, health communication and health promotion models were used to develop a comprehensive hearing loss prevention training program for carpenters. Additionally, a survey was designed to be used as an evaluation instrument. The models informed an iterative research process in which the authors used key informant interviews, focus groups, and early versions of the survey tool to identify critical issues expected to be relevant to the success of the hearing loss prevention training. Commonly held attitudes and beliefs associated with occupational noise exposure and hearing losses, as well as issues associated with the use or non-use of hearing protectors, were identified. The training program was then specifically constructed to positively shape attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions associated with healthy hearing behaviors - especially those associated with appropriate hearing protector use. The goal was to directly address the key issues and overcome the barriers identified during the formative research phase. The survey was finalized using factor analysis methods and repeated pilot testing. It was designed to be used with the training as an evaluation tool and thus could indicate changes over time in attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions regarding hearing loss prevention. Finally, the training program was fine tuned with industry participation so that its delivery would integrate seamlessly into the existing health and safety training provided to apprentice carpenters. In phase 2, reported elsewhere in this volume, the training program and the survey were tested through a demonstration project at two sites.

Hearing loss prevention for carpenters: Part 2 - Demonstration projects using individualized and group training

“…To accomplish this, NIOSH developed a model training program as well as a survey tool designed to evaluate program effectiveness. [3] NIOSH also attempted to conduct behavioral observations of hearing protector use, but, as is discussed below, this did not prove to be logistically possible.…”

“…Details regarding the validity and reliability of the survey questions, form A and form B equivalence, the general procedures used to develop the survey, and the theoretical underpinnings of the survey are described by McDaniel and Stephenson. [3,4] A 5-point Likert scale was used to code participant responses. Thus, after each survey statement, participants were asked to mark whether they strongly agreed, agreed, neither agreed nor disagreed, disagreed, or strongly disagreed with the statement.…”

“…Details on the theoretical basis for the educational and training materials and the survey development and content are discussed in Part I, which is published in a separate manuscript of this issue. [3] Briefly, Part I addresses an eclectic application of the Health Beliefs and Health Promotion Models, the Theory of Reasoned Action, and the Transtheoretical Model to develop the educational and training materials used in this study. The present paper describes the results of two demonstration projects designed to evaluate how well these educational and training materials were able to positively influence carpenters' attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions to use HPDs.…”

Acceptance of a Semi-Custom Hearing Protector by Manufacturing Workers

“…As described below, during each visit the volunteers answered questionnaires on hearing protector comfort (7) and attitudes and beliefs about working in noise. (8) At approximately monthly intervals the hearing conservation contractor would locate wearers of the semi-custom plug and record if the volunteers were wearing the new earplug. The contractor would inquire about the status of the semi-custom earplugs if the participant was observed not wearing them.…”

“…A standard Hearing Health History questionnaire asked about ear and hearing problems, including loud hobbies and over-the-counter medications. A Beliefs and Attitudes questionnaire developed by NIOSH (8) examined employee beliefs and attitudes about working around noise and wearing hearing protectors. The third questionnaire was a minor modification of the Comfort Index developed by Park and Casali.…”