Results (
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ResultsThe characteristics of the intervention and control schools are summarised, along with the hazards identified in the baseline check in table 2. Fifty seven hazards involved failure to com- ply with the crucial height and surfacing requirements of NZS 5828 (42% in the control schools and 58% in the intervention schools). This meant that an item of equipment exceeded the maximum fall height allowed by the standard and/or the surface underneath was classified as “unsafe” for the fall height of the equipment.At baseline, a Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the diVerence in hazard distribu- tions between groups. Although slightly more hazards were identified in the intervention schools than in the controls, the observed diVerences were not statistically significant (z=1.11, p=0.27, calculated assuming a Pois- son distribution for the counts). Similarly, at the time of the first follow up (table 3), there were no significant group diVerences (z=1.35, p=0.178). At the second follow up, however, there was a significantly greater reduction in the intervention group than in the control group (z=2.21, p=0.027). Eight of the 12 intervention schools had decreased their haz- ards by at least three and none had increases. In contrast, only two of the 12 control schools decreased their hazards by at least three; and three schools had increased hazards over that time. The median reduction in hazards was a drop of between none to one hazards for control schools and three hazards for interven- tion schools.The actions taken by schools to remove haz- ards included the installation of impact absorb- ing surfaces, the removal of complete items of equipment, reductions in the height of equip- ment, the installation or modification of hand and guard rails, the resiting of equipment to increase operating and circulation areas, and in some cases the complete replacement of a play area.A key result was the 52% reduction in height/surface hazards achieved in the inter- vention schools, compared with an 8% reduc- tion in the controls (table 3). By the second follow up, nine of the 12 intervention schools had eliminated at least one height/surface haz- ard compared with only three control schools. One control school had created an additional height/surface hazard. The reduction in height surface hazards was significantly greater in the intervention schools (Mann-Whitney U test, p<0.02).EFFECT OF THE HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAMMEUse of the recommended action reportThe outcome expected from giving interven- tion schools the recommended action report was that they would use it as a basis for upgrad- ing existing equipment. This did not always occur.x Fifty per cent made at least some direct use of the report by changing equipment as recom- mended or replacing non-standard equipment.x Sixteen per cent already had plans for new equipment and requested that the report relate to these plans rather than the existing equip- ment. Although this had the benefit of ensuring new equipment would meet the standard, it did not directly enable changes to be made to existing equipment that was not removed from the playground.x Sixteen per cent were already aware that their playground equipment was non- compliant and had long terms plans to change it. The report was of little use to them.x One school temporarily removed equip- ment classified as unsafe, but it was in use again at the time of the third hazard check.x One school rejected the report.In conclusion, the report was successful in clarifying what schools needed to do to upgrade playground equipment and gave cost- ing options. In 50% of schools it was decided instead to partially or fully replace the hazard- ous equipment. We did not anticipate that so many schools would find replacing equipment a more attractive option than upgrading existing equipment. This meant that the benefit of the report was more limited than expected.Copy of the standardCopies of NZS 5828 were made available on request, but only two schools requested a copy. All schools were given information about NZS 5828 requirements through the hazard check report and the engineer’s report.FundingProgress towards upgrading in some schools was hindered by the lack of funds. It was apparent early in the project that funding from community service groups and businesses was not available. Schools that raised money for upgrading equipment used mainly conven- tional fund raising methods, including fairs and raZes. One school received a small donation from the local licensing trust and four others applied for recreation grants allocated by the Wellington City Council and all received small grants. Ministry of Education funding through a “dollar for dollar” financial assistance scheme was applied for by five schools in the project, but none were successful. The cost barrier was much more diYcult than we imagined.
Ongoing support
This was provided to schools by the project worker who contacted each intervention school regularly over the nine month duration of the intervention (on average 14 times per school). Contact was made either by telephone, visiting, or letter.
Playground safety policies
Eighty three per cent of the intervention schools implemented playground safety policies. These policies included guidelines for inspecting equipment for hazards, maintenance programs, the recording of injuries, and the supervision of children on equipment.
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