Caregiver beliefs and behaviors in the prevention of childhood lead poisoning

Caregivers living in areas with environmental lead problems are often advis ed to engage in behaviors to protect their children from lead. This study i nvestigates caregiver knowledge, beliefs, and barriers associated with lead poisoning prevention behaviors. Interviews were conducted with 332 caregiv ers of children ages 1 through 6 living in a mining area with large quantit ies of lead-contaminated soil. Findings indicated low to moderate levels of preventive behaviors. Of the health beliefs examined, self-efficacy and ba rriers most consistently predicted the preventive behaviors. Applications o f the findings are discussed for both family and community-based lead poiso ning prevention programs.