 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Janet A. Holden, PhD and Kyran Quinlan, MD, MPH. Division of General Pediatrics, University of Chicago, 747 S. Scoville Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304-1448, 708-386-7179, janetholden@sbcglobal.net
Correctly used safety seats are an effective intervention for motor vehicle injury prevention. Seat use is corrected by Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPS Techs) at "check events." The impact of such events on correct use is unknown. OBJECTIVES: to integrate CPS Tech services into pediatric care; to determine the effect of these services on correct seat use. METHODS: Caregivers of children from birth to 8 years at an inner-city pediatric clinic are screened for travel mode and interest in the Program. RESULTS: 6,389 children were screened in 15 months. Of these 66% traveled by car. Of those, 63% participated. Of those, 40% were unrestrained: 17%, 47% and 86% of those children under 20 pounds and younger than one, from 20 to 40 pounds, and over 40 pounds, respectively. Correct use was 2%. In 69 follow-up checks, non-restraint dropped from 20% to 0. Completely correct seat use increased from 1.4% to 8.7%. There was no change in the percentage of seats incorrectly forward facing or correct recline angle. Harnesses were used, in the correct slots, and snug and seat belts tight and locked significantly more often (p < 0.01). IMPLICATIONS: The Program identified the need for and acceptance of seat checks during well-child care. A check at a well-child visit captures non-users as well as misuse and significantly increases some aspects of correct seat use. Completely correct use is not achieved in one check.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Injury Prevention, Child Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.