Interventions
Tailored Intervention Information contained in the tailored
intervention was derived from the theoretically specified
predictors of use of HPDs, but was tailored to:
• individuals’ responses to survey questionnaire items
• reported type of HPD used
• perceived hearing ability
• self-reported use of HPDs.
In addition, positive feedback was given for high
reported use of HPDs and for optimal perceptions in relation
to items measuring components of the model (e.g., a
“strongly agree” response to “Using hearing protection
prevents hearing loss”).
Nontailored Intervention As in the tailored intervention,
information contained in the nontailored intervention was
derived from the theoretically specified predictors of use of
HPDs. However, the nontailored intervention was not
related to the individual’s reported use of HPDs or
responses on the survey questions. Rather, intervention
content was delivered in a uniform manner to all participants
in the group, with each worker receiving the same
information in the same sequence.
Both the nontailored predictor-based and tailored
interventions used factual, cognitive approaches, as well as
demonstration, directed practice, vicarious experience,
persuasion, and role-modeling techniques. The demonstrations
and testimonials were presented in an interactive format
by persons from various gender and ethnic groups.
Control Intervention A commercially available video on
use of hearing protection was used as the control intervention.
The research team reviewed a number of videos
highly rated by the National Hearing Conservation Association
(Kerst & Langman, 2000). Criteria set for selecting
the video required that it
• provide required OSHA-mandated information on
hearing protection
• had not previously been used in the factory
• did not emphasize the theoretically specified predictors
used for the experimental interventions
Written permission was obtained from the publisher to
digitize the video so that it would be delivered in the same
manner on computer as the experimental interventions.
Results
Characteristics of Subjects
Workers who returned between 6 and 18 months after
pretest for their annual audiometric test and hearing protection
intervention were included in the posttest sample
(n = 1,325). A summary of the demographic characteristics
of study participants is presented in Table 1. There were no
significant differences between workers in the three training
groups in demographic characteristics or mean use of
HPDs. The majority of workers in the plant were male
(87%), White (74%), and middle-aged (m = 44 years of age).