Professionals’ Perceptions: “Why is Lead Poisoning Prevalent in Lancaster County?”

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of lead poisoning in children under the age of six years living in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania continues to be greater than the state-wide prevalence for this age group. This study aims to determine the factors that contribute to the high lead poisoning rates. Methods: For this qualitative study, the researchers recruited a convenience sample of professionals providing healthcare and social welfare services in the county. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with participants. The research team audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed each interview using NVivo 12 software. Results: The 16 interviewed participants identified factors that contribute to high lead poisoning rates including knowledge levels, housing status, and competing interests. Specifically, low knowledge levels, renting as opposed to home ownership, and having competing interests seemed to minimize the attention directed towards preventing lead poisoning. The experts offered recommendations to address the high lead poisoning rates including increasing lead knowledge levels of both community members and landlords, through creating and distributing health promotion material, enacting policies to empower renters, and systematically collaborating to streamline lead poisoning related information and services. Conclusions: Findings provide insights to factors that Lancaster can address to achieve a decrease in lead poisoning rates. This study provides information that can be utilized by public health professionals to develop appropriate interventions.

Assessing the effect of four types of direct mail messages to promote the uptake of residential lead remediation funds

“…Housing tenure has been identified as a risk factor for lead poisoning [ 12 ], and the low event rate observed among tenants in this study suggests children in rental homes continue to be at risk of lead exposure. Previous studies in Lancaster have identified tenants’ lack of autonomy and low interest to improve temporary housing as factors limiting the enrollment into programs that would mitigate exposure to household lead hazards [ 17 , 33 ]. Children of individuals who rent homes are 3.2 times more likely to have blood lead levels ≥10 μg/dL [ 34 ].…”

Readability levels and thematic content analysis of online and printed lead poisoning informational materials

“…Children with elevated blood levels are at risk of adverse neurodevelopmental effects [ 3 ], lower IQ scores and behavioral issues [ 4 – 6 ]. In addition, several studies, both qualitative and quantitative, have demonstrated that knowledge levels about lead and lead poisoning are low [ 7 – 10 ]. Because readable texts are effective instruments to increase awareness, transfer knowledge and initiate behavior change with respect to a specific health event [ 11 , 12 ], it is important to understand why lead poisoning continues to persist given the magnitude of educational materials that have been developed.…”