Primary prevention of lead poisoning in rural Native American children: behavioral outcomes from a community-based intervention in a former mining region.

The current study examined the effectiveness of a community-based lay health advisor intervention, combined with youth engagement, in improving lead poisoning prevention behaviors and associated beliefs in a rural Native American population located in and near a Superfund site containing mining waste. Three sequential (1997, 2000, and 2004) cross-sectional assessments involving in-person interviews with Native American and White caregivers of young children were conducted. Results showed significant improvements over time for Native American, but not for White, for children washing their hands before meals and snacks, and for annual blood lead testing of both Native American and White children. Findings lend support to the value of community-based education for primary prevention of lead poisoning in Native American and rural communities.