Effects of lead counseling for children with lead levels >= 20 mu g/dL: Impact on parental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior

The pur-pose of this study was to assess parental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior concerning lead reduction counseling. Of 108 children with confir med venous lend levels greater than or equal to 20 mug/dL, 75 (69%) uf the parents were interviewed by telephone 6-9 months later. The majority of par ents recalled bring given specific lead reduction strategies. Knowledge of cleaning interventions was associated with parents who could state the lead level, who perceived a bent fit from knowing it was elevated, and whose ch ildren were referred to a specialty lead clinic, Recall of nutritional inte rventions was associated with parents who could state the lead level and wh ose children were refer-red to a specialty lead clinic. Although 79% of par ents thought that it was beneficial to know their child's lead level was ev aluated, only 65% reported implementing lead reduction strategies, The majo rity of parents recalled receiving lead reduction counseling but reported l ow compliance with load reduction strategies. Further research is needed to determine the causes of the discrepancy between knowledge and making the b ehavior changes necessary to comply with lead reduction interventions.