omplished, indicate that parental knowledge may have no association with children's lead blood levels (Anderson, Whitwell, Snyder & Besunder, 1999).
It seems reasonable to suggest that an important element in understanding any possible connections between children's lead blood levels and parental knowledge would be to conduct studies investigating existing levels of parental knowledge. Using structured interview methods, this study proposes to address the problem of lack of empirical research regarding parental knowledge of lead poisoning through an investigation of the lead poisoning knowledge levels of a sample of Detroit parents.
The primary purpose of the study is to contribute to the empirical knowledge base on parental knowledge and understanding of lead poisoning in children. The rationale for this investigation rests on the notion that if parental knowledge and understanding can be thoroughly and competently assessed, this will serve as a foundation for both exploration of possible connections between parental knowledge levels and children's levels of blood poisoning and the development of effective parent education programs.
The harmful effects of childhood lead poisoning are well established (Fisher & Vessey, 1998). It seems reasonable to state that effective delivery of health care is contingent upon an understanding of those factors that place a child at-risk for the development of the condition as well as those factors that lead to its prevention. Further, most healthcare models hold that health care education (provided to relevant parties) is an important aspect of health care service delivery (Stanhope & Lancaster, 1996).
However, in order to develop adequate education programs for parents of young children with respect to childhood lead poisoning, it is important to understand that there is a need to determine the existing knowledge of the condition in the target population and so build on what is known. This...