Evaluating health and safety knowledge of preschoolers: Assessing their early start to being health smart

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to establish the validity, reliability, and utilization of a revised and expanded Preschool Health and Safety Knowledge Assessment (PHASKA), an instrument evaluating health and safety knowledge of young children, on a diverse group of preschool children. Methods: This study included 308 children (133 boys and 175 girls) ranging in age from 28 to 80 months (M = 53.7 months). The PHASKA was administered to children at 6 preschools and 5 health fairs on an individual basis. Results: Scores on the PHASKA ranged from 1 to 49 (out of a possible 50 points), with a mean score of 37.25. Ninety-seven percent of the children older than age 3 years completed the assessment. No significant differences attributable to gender were found. However, significant age group differences were found [F (7, 300) = 31.09, P <.0001]. In general, items related to safety were learned first, followed by those related to hygiene, health promotion, and nutrition. Discussion: Preschoolers' scores on the PHASKA showed significant improvement with age, supporting the assertion that preschoolers are ready and willing learners of health and safety knowledge. Children rapidly gain health and safety knowledge between 3½ and 5½ years of age and master much of this content by their sixth birthday. The PHASKA was shown to be appropriate for determining health and safety knowledge scores for preschool-aged children. J Pediatr Health Care. (2000). 14, 160–165.