Studies show that the prevalence of certain health behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol use, are not accurately depicted in movies. In general, these behaviors have been found to be much more prevalent in movies than they actually are in the U.S. population. We sought to determine whether the same was true for seat belt use. While smoking and alcohol use are over-represented in movies, we would expect that seat belt use would be under-represented. This study calculated the prevalence of seat belt use in movies that grossed over $10 million that were released during the past 21 years and compared it to the prevalence of seat belt use in the U.S. during the same time period. From the movies that met our inclusion criteria, a random sample of 210 movies was selected. Each movie was watched and coded. Measures included movie rating, number of front seat occupants, gender of front seat occupants, and visibility of seat belt use. A time trend analysis was conducted in order to see any patterns in movie seat belt use. These data were then compared to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data for actual seat belt use in the U.S. between 1978- 1998. As expected, the prevalence of seat belt use in movies is lower than the actual prevalence of seat belt use in the U.S. Other findings include that females in movies are more likely to wear seat belts and that there is an inverse relationship between seat belt use and movie rating.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the pattern of seat belt use in movies released from 1978 to 1998. 2. Recognize the discrepancy between seat belt use in movies compared to actual seat belt use. 3. Describe the predictors of seat belt use in movies
Keywords: Motor Vehicles, Injury
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.