Objectives: We sought to increase the use of motor vehicle child restraints (CR) among preschool-age children in three zip codes in a low-income Hispanic neighborhood in west Dallas, TX.
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 were started in 1997, and included car seat distributions through classes for parents through a community clinic, classes for children and staff at the DCCs, and neighborhood programs to increase CR use.
Results: CR use increased among children increased between 1997 and 2000 in all 3 settings: Clinic (20% to 73%; p<0.001); DCCs (24% to 38%; p<0.001); grocery stores (17% to 34%; p<0.001). There was only slight change in CR use from surveys conducted in the rest of the city (61% to 69%). There was a strong association between CR use and driver SB use, with CR use rates being much higher in cars where drivers wore SB (RR=6.3, 95% CI 5.6-7.1). The increase in driver SB use was greatest at the clinic, which could explain the greater 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 most of the increase in CR use could be explained on the basis of increased driver SB use. To be successful, such programs must be ongoing, and must target driver SB use.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Hispanic Youth, Motor Vehicles
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.