Objectives: We sought to increase the use of child restraints (CR) among preschool-age children in a low-income Hispanic neighborhood.
Methods: Standardized observational surveys were conducted at 3 types of locations in the target area: a community clinic, local day care centers (DCC), and local grocery stores. Interventions included classes for mothers attending the clinic, car seat distributions, and classes for children and staff at the DCCs.
Results: CR use increased among children attending the clinic (19% in 1997 to 70% in late 1999; p<0.001), where the interventions were ongoing and occurred in all ages. At the DCCs, where interventions were intermittent, there was a smaller increase in CR use, it was not sustained after the intervention ended, and was significantly increased only in children < 2 years. At grocery stores, there was no increase in CR use. There was a strong association between CR use and driver SB use, with CR use rates being ~80% in cars where drivers wore SB, compared with <20% where drivers did not wear SB (p< 0.001). Only the clinic had a persistent increase in driver SB use, which could explain the increase in CR use in that location.
Conclusion: CR use in this population increased with an ongoing program. CR use was strongly associated with driver SB use, and the increase in CR use could be explained on the basis of increased driver SB use at the clinic. To be successful, such programs must be ongoing, and must target driver SB use.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the components of a successful program to increase child restraint use among a hispanic population. 2. Discuss the influence of driver seatbelt use on the use of child restraints among their passengers
Keywords: Motor Vehicles, Hispanic
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.