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OLPPP has never conducted a comprehensive evaluation of its outreach and education efforts to assess whether they are effective. This is a critical need, particularly in light of shrinking resources and new communication methodologies and technologies now available. The purpose of this evaluation in collaboration with UC Berkeley’s Health Research for Action (UCB HRA) was to determine whether current educational products and materials for workers effectively communicate the program's core messages and use methods and media that are preferred/most appropriate for the target audience(s).
METHODS: From 2010 through 2012, OLPPP conducted 42 telephone surveys and-- in collaboration with UCB HRA-- 11 focus groups (n=55) with workers. Brief follow-back telephone surveys took place shortly after the program’s mailing to workers with elevated blood lead level (BLL) results (≥ 10 µg/dL). Survey questions focused on whether workers read the materials in the mailing and, if so, which materials; whether core messages came across; and what sources of information and methods of outreach workers prefer.
Focus groups were conducted in partnership with UCB HRA with workers from OLPPP’s Occupational Blood Lead Registry as well as workers recruited through community-based organizations and labor unions. The focus groups sought to capture more detailed qualitative information about OLPPP’s core messages and preferred media and outreach methods, as well as issues of motivation and barriers workers face in taking actions recommended by OLPPP's informational materials. Focus group data was analyzed using ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software; quantitative data analysis was done using SAS.
RESULTS: Telephone survey results indicate that the majority (79%) of workers read (“looked at”) at materials the program mailed them; core messages did not consistently come across (“stand out”); and workers endorsed providing health and safety information by mail and through their employers. A major theme mentioned was risk of take-home lead exposure to family members. Focus group data is still being analyzed; the results will be incorporated into the overall analysis to be presented.
CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of program outreach and education provides valuable information to assure we are using preferred media and outreach methods and providing workers information that is useful and meaningful.