Details:

Alternative Title:
Inj Prev
Personal Author:
Rupert, Douglas J ; Poehlman, Jon A ; Damon, Scott A ; Williams, Peyton N
Rupert, Douglas J ; Poehlman, Jon A ; Damon, Scott A ; Williams, Peyton N Less -
Description:
Background

Unintentional, non-fire-related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a leading cause of poisoning death and injury in the USA. Residential poisonings caused by faulty furnaces are the most common type of CO exposure. However, these poisonings are largely preventable with annual furnace inspections and CO alarm installation.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs that might lead consumers to adopt these protective behaviours.

Methods

In August 2009, four focus groups (n=29) were conducted with homeowners in Chicago, Illinois, USA, to identify the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs that lead consumers to adopt risk and protective behaviours. Discussions were transcribed and the findings were analysed using an ordered meta-matrix.

Results

Focus group participants were aware of CO poisoning and supported the idea of regular furnace inspections. However, few participants consistently scheduled professional inspections for fear of costly repairs and unscrupulous contractors. Participants often owned CO alarms, but many did not locate them properly, nor maintain them. Some participants confused CO and natural gas and were unsure how to react if a CO alarm sounds. Participants stated that incentives, such as discounts and inspector selection tips, would make them more likely to schedule furnace inspections. Participants also identified trustworthy sources for CO education, including realtors, fire departments, home insurance agents and local media outlets.

Conclusions

Participants’ residential CO risk behaviours are not random but driven by underlying knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. Correcting misperceptions, providing incentives and partnering with trustworthy sources might encourage greater consumer adoption of protective behaviours.


Subjects:
[+]
Adult Aged Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Female Focus Groups Health Behavior Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Humans Male Middle Aged Protective Devices Risk Factors
Source:
Inj Prev. 19(2):119-123.
Pubmed ID:
22653781
Pubmed Central ID:
PMC4556265
Document Type:
Journal Article
Funding:
SCD3/Intramural CDC HHS/United States
Place as Subject:
United States
Collection(s):
CDC Public Access
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:f0449c95772e92a819ac7aa461acca4e383e079a30e51c4b7271cff771217419
Download URL:
https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/34015/cdc_34015_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

• nihms718574.nxml

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