397 - Do Schools Teach the Top Killer(s)

Publication Number: 397.4481

Olivia Gorbatkin, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Sofia Chaudhary, Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA, United States; Taryn R. Taylor, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Andrew Jergel, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States

Background: Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among U.S. children and teens. Schools offer a key opportunity for preventive interventions, yet the presence and impact of injury prevention curricula (IPC) are largely unknown. In 2021, Georgia's Health Education Standards mandated IPC in public schools, but it's unclear how many are implementing it or to what extent.

Objective: Study objectives are to assess the presence of IPC in metro-Atlanta public schools grades K-12 and explore facilitators and barriers to IPC.

Design/Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study involved K-12 schools from two metro-Atlanta public school systems. Schools completed an electronic needs assessment survey covering demographics, IPC presence, health and IPC content, and facilitators and barriers to incorporating IPC. A health curriculum expert from each school, chosen by the principal, completed the survey. Reverse-weighted ranking identified the top three barriers. Categorical variables were reported as counts and percentages, with group comparisons using Pearson’s Chi-squared test (Fisher’s exact test for groups < 5). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Analysis was done using R Statistical Software (v4.2.1).

Results: Of the 138 schools surveyed, 43 responded (31%). IPC was taught in 49% of schools, but only 9% believed it was required. Schools with more students on reduced lunch (p=0.02) and larger student populations (p=0.03) were significantly less likely to have IPC, while race and ethnicity were not statistically significant factors. The top three barriers to teaching IPC were lack of time (47%), lack of resource awareness (40%), and insufficient staff expertise (35%).

Conclusion(s): Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in children and teens. Yet, in Georgia where a recent state mandate requires public schools K-12 to include IPC, less than half of metro-Atlanta schools meet this requirement, and most schools lack awareness of this requirement. This indicates significant gaps in the prioritization and implementation of IPC. Additionally, demographic disparities in IPC presence highlight socioeconomic and structural barriers to its implementation. The leading barriers to implementing IPC highlights the gap between state-identified education priorities and what is actually being taught in the schools, underscoring the need for targeted support and resources to overcome these challenges.