Parental Characteristics and Lead Knowledge in the Minimization of Environmental Lead Exposure

A method for guiding lead intervention and minimizing lead exposures in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA) is through understanding the relationship between lead knowledge and parental characteristics such as gender, age, income, marital status, and education attainment. Parental characteristic may play a significant role in the identification of population groups where knowledge pertaining to lead exposure is inadequate. Through awareness and intervention, preventive measures can be implemented to minimize and eliminate lead exposure. The theoretical concept used in this quantitative study was Krieger ecosocial theory. The ecosocial theory provides guidance and analyzes differences in existing health relationships, especially those with biological and psychosocial influences. An exploratory cross-section design was used to explore the association between parental characteristics of gender, age, income, marital status, and education attainment with lead knowledge in the elimination of lead-based paint and high-risk exposure in communities of Philadelphia, PA. The Lead Knowledge Test questionnaire was completed by 124 participants. Descriptive statistics were used through calculation of central of tendency. Data analysis for inferential statistics was completed through multiple variable regressions. Results indicated parents gender, age, income, marital status, and education attainment were not predictors of lead knowledge. The results of this study have the potential to produce social change through identifying lead exposure in Philadelphia, PA, aiding in the minimization and prevention of lead exposures, in addition to reducing cognitive and neurological impacts for improved academic performance resulting in quality jobs and increased socioeconomic status