Using the Health Belief Model to Investigate Parent Perceptions of Lead Testing: Implications for Health Communication Research and Practice

Abstract

Children are at increased risk for harmful lead exposure due to their behavior and the increased percentage of lead absorption. While lead levels and the possible adverse health effects vary by age and level absorbed, the medical field agrees that lead is a persistent public health issue of the first order. Importantly, Hoosier children are at an increased risk for possible negative side effects because of the small percentage of children who are being tested; despite the AAP’s recommendation. The Health Belief Model (HBM) provided a strong and appropriate framework for guiding this formative research about parents’ perceptions of blood lead testing. This study aimed to answer two research questions based on HBM concepts and utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods to help answer them. Using snowball and convenience sampling, 14 Hoosier parents were recruited to participate in this study during the spring of 2020. Parents were recruitment from four counties across the state with known high rates of lead and/or low rates of blood lead testing among babies and small children. The findings from this study yield broad suggestions for future work within the field of communication research and specific suggestions for applied communication campaign research and clinical interventions within the state of Indiana. This study suggests we still have a long way to go as a state in addressing the dangers of lead toxicity and increasing regular testing among Hoosier children.