Background: Traffic related injuries are a leading cause of mortality for children <14. According to NHTSA, >47% of fatally injured children 4-7 were unrestrained. Children in this group should be in booster seats (booster); it is estimated only 6-12% use them.
Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge about appropriate booster use and automotive safety among drivers of booster age children and healthcare providers. To identify where drivers learned about booster use. To determine if physicians are the primary source for child automotive safety information, and assess whether information source correlates with booster use.
Method: A community- based observational survey of drivers of children <10 was conducted, and questionnaires for healthcare providers continues in suburban NY. Drivers and their passengers were examined for appropriateness of restraints.
Results: Of 347 drivers interviewed, 47(14%), correctly identified reasons for Booster use, compared to 8 of 30 healthcare providers (26%) from the pilot study; <20% of either group knew the appropriate age/weight for boosters. Only 21(6.4%) of the 329 children requiring boosters, were so restrained. Most drivers obtained information from magazines (17.5%). Drivers obtaining information from physicians (7%) and magazines were more likely to be knowledgeable about, and use boosters. Additional questionnaire results will be presented.
Conclusion: Most children who need to be in booster seats are not. Physicians are a credible source of injury prevention information. To have a greater role in promoting child automotive safety, healthcare providers need more knowledge. Interventions targeting provider and parent education are planned.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1)Describe and recommend appropriate automotive restraints for children who have outgrown conventional car seats, 2)Identify the problems attendant with inappropriate restraints 3)Discuss the current child automotive safety practices of drivers of children 4-10 in a suburban community 4)Define measures that can increase the proper use of booster seats among children ages 4-8
Keywords: Children's Health, Injury Prevention
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.