The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74651

Frederick P. Rivara, MD, MPH, Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Dept. of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359960, Seattle, WA 98104, (206) 521-1530, fpr@washington.edu

While great advances have been made in the proper restraint of young infants and children, 4 year olds graduating from car seats are often mistakenly placed in adult seat belts. These adult belts do not adequately restrain children, and can themselves increase the risk of injury. Studies done by the group at CHOP indicate that booster seats decrease the risk of injury by about 60%. We developed a community coalition to increase booster seat use in targeted neighborhoods in the Seattle area. This coalition used mass media, a discount coupon and legislation to promote use. Observation of booster seat use demonstrated that the campaign resulted an in increase in use form 13% to 35% in 3 years.

Learning Objectives:

• to learn about the art and science of translating research into practice through a case study

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.