Highlights What is already known on this subject? Life jacket use is an evidence-based preventative measure for reducing drowning. Life jacket wear rates are low and variable across countries and settings. There is no synthesis of qualitative studies on facilitators and barriers for life jacket use. What this study adds. The study provides insights into facilitators and barriers for life jacket usage for recreational and occupational setting. The results of the study potentially inform future legislative, policy and health promotion programs on drowning prevention.
Abstract Background: Drowning is a public health problem globally. Despite substantial evidence on the effectiveness of life jackets, their use for drowning prevention has remained low. This study aims to understand the barriers and facilitators of life jacket use. Methods: We searched four major electronic databases, contacted experts, hand-searched conference abstracts and screened reference lists to identify primary qualitative studies. We used the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist for quality appraisal and the PROGRESS Plus framework to understand equity issues. Thematic analysis was conducted. Results: We retrieved 1153 records and finally included ten studies that met eligibility criteria. All except two studies were from high-income countries. Four key themes were identified. Firstly, life jacket use was shaped through complex interactions between lived experience and cultural norms which influenced the risk-perception of life jacket utility in preventing deaths. Secondly, the high cost of life jackets was almost always a barrier for its usage. Thirdly, adoption of laws and its subsequent enforcement was perceived to be an important facilitator for life jacket use. Lastly, design issues around comfort, fashion-sense, and shelf life influenced usage. Conclusion: The results of this qualitative evidence synthesis should be considered for health promotion, legal and policy interventions to promote the uptake of life jackets. There is a need for better understanding of perceptions and their role in the uptake of safety behaviours in different countries including the role of equity issues on the use of life jackets.
Facilitators and barriers of life jacket use for drowning prevention: Qualitative evidence synthesis
Journal of Safety Research ; 80 ; 135-147
2021-11-19
13 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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