healthy people 2020 - Society for Public Health Education

✯ Poster Abstracts ✯
thursday – saturday | november 4-6
27. Use of Cellular Telephones and Texting While Driving
William Parker Hinson, BS, University of Florida, Gainesville; Karla Ruiz,
BA, BS, University of Florida, Gainesville; Louis Carrillo, BS, University of
Florida, Gainesville
background: The effect of mobile phone use on driving performance has
been widely studied; however, current gaps exist in research linking the relationship
between texting and driving. Research suggests that using a mobile
telephone while driving increases risk of being involved in a Motor Vehicle
Accident (MVA). A study analyzing records in MVAs reported that using a
cell phone while driving is associated with roughly a quadrupling of crash risk,
and 1 in 7 drivers admit to text messaging while driving.
objective: The primary aim of this exploratory study was to assess student
behaviors and perceptions associated with use of cellular (mobile) telephones
while driving. The secondary aim was to observe texting and driving behaviors
by viewing incidence rates at intersections within a university campus.
methods: Phase 1: Data were collected from a questionnaire given to
students at the University of Florida. The questionnaire assessed students’
behaviors, attitudes, and frequencies regarding the use of cellular telephones
while driving. Phase 2: Collections of direct observational data were gathered
at various intersections on the University of Florida campus. Frequencies were
tabulated for the number of drivers with a cell phone in hand, and any additional
distracting behaviors were also noted.
results: Phase 1: Two-hundred and ninety (n=290) students participated in
the questionnaire. Respondents were between the ages of 19-44 years (µ=22.2).
Analysis showed that 69.8% send between 1-40 texts per day, and 86.6% send
texts while driving. Students were also asked whether they engaged in other
behaviors while driving including: texting while at a stop sign (45.7%), texting
in parking lots (48.4%), pulling over to text (7.5%), and using a passenger to
text (56.1%). Pearson’s correlation test showed that Age was negatively correlated
to electronic communication device usage (p = 0.212), whereas Miles
Driven had a significant, positive correlation (p < 0.001). Phase 2: Observation
of vehicles (n=1,138) revealed that 12.9% (n=147) of drivers were engaged
in distracted driving. Among all drivers, 3.4% (n=39) were texting and 6.4%
(n=73) were speaking on the phone.
conclusion: Results show that a large percentage of students send texts
while driving, while lower percentages engage in behaviors that may help
reduce associated risks. On the University of Florida campus, distracted driving
occurs, indicating a need for an institution-based policy among students,
faculty, visitors, and employees. Future research should expand beyond the
university population so results are more generalized.
28. Adolescent Physical Activity: Does Perception of School and
Neighborhood Safety Matter?
Clare Lenhart, MPH, CHES, Temple University; Brian Daly, PhD,
Temple University
background: As the public health community looks to the implementation
of Healthy People 2020 objectives, concerns persist regarding the
prevalence of adolescents failing to meet recommended levels of physical
activity. Despite physical activity-based initiatives aimed at the individual,
school, and community level, the majority of adolescents remain unacceptably
inactive. Research in adult populations suggests low levels of
physical activity are more common among respondents reporting concerns
for safety in their immediate neighborhood. What is less clear is the
association between perceptions of neighborhood and school safety and
physical activity levels among ethnically diverse urban adolescents.
purpose: This study evaluated the prevalence of self-reported neighborhood
and school safety and physical activity levels, and the relationship
between perceived safety and physical activity level among adolescents in
a large urban city.
methodology: 2009 Philadelphia Youth Risk Behavior Survey data
were analyzed. The weighted sample of 43,867 students included those
from 9th grade (30.9%), 10th grade (27.1%), 11th grade (21.5%), and 12th
grade (20.4%) attending Philadelphia public high schools. The sample
was 51.5% male and 48.5% female. Race/Ethnicity of the participants was
64.8% African American, 14.2% Hispanic/ Latino, 12.7% White and 2.8%
all other races. Separate research questions examined perceived neighborhood
safety and impressions of safety at school. Frequency of self-reported
moderate-to-vigorous physical activity lasting 60 minutes or more was
also collected.
results: 32% of adolescents meet current physical activity recommendations.
Males (41.3%) are more likely than females (23.9%) to report
adequate physical activity. Forty-seven percent of all respondents report
feeling unsafe both at school and in their neighborhood. Adolescents who
feel safe are 1.183 times more likely (CI: 1.137-1.232, p