Bicycle Helmet Effectiveness in Preventing Injury and Death
Subject areas: social studies (particularly economics), health education, and environmental science
Grade level: 11th and 12th
Level of difficulty: moderate to high
Prerequisite: The teacher needs prior familiarity with cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-benefit analysis.
Summary: Students will examine the cost effectiveness of three interventions to increase utilization of bicycle helmets to avert head injuries in individuals 18 years and under in Onondaga County, NY.
Students are initially presented with data on head injuries, hospitalization and death related to bicycle use. They then appraise a published study on the effectiveness of helmets in averting head injury. Students then assess three interventions that are legislative, school, and community-based campaigns to increase helmet use. Students are provided with budget estimates and assumptions needed to complete the exercise. Cost effectiveness analysis, cost-benefit analysis and related concepts are explored, including provider versus societal perspectives and importance of sensitivity analysis.
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