Recorded presentation

David G. Schlundt, PhD¹, Stephania Miller, PhD², Carlotta Arthur, PhD², and Irwin Goldzweig, MA². (1) Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, 301 Wilson Hall, Nashville, TN 37203, (615) 322-7800, david.schlundt@vanderbilt.edu, (2) Center for Community-Based Research, Meharry Medical College, 1005 D.B. Todd Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208

Purpose: Seat belts are designed to fit a 164 pound male with a 32 inch waist. In this study, we investigate the possibility that compliance rates for seat belt use are lower in people who differ from this “ideal” sized male.

Methods: The 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data set was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n=230,344). Seat belt use was coded as always (77.2%) or less than always and height and weight were coded into categories so that differences in seat belt use at both extremes could be examined. Binary logistic regressions were used to predict seat belt use based on height and weight categories after controlling for age, gender, race, and state seat belt law (primary or secondary).

Results: After controlling for the other variables, height made a significant contribution to seat belt use (p<0.0001) with seat belt use significantly lower for persons under 5 feet tall (p<0.0001). The effect for weight was also significant (p<0.0001) with seat belt use rates dropping as people weigh more than 190 lbs (p<0.002) with the lowest rates of use seen in people over 300 lbs (p<0.0001).

Discussion: Seat belt use reduces morbidity and mortality associated with motor vehicle crashes. These results suggest that seat belts may need to be reengineered to accommodate shorter individuals and the growing number of overweight and obese persons.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the relationship of height and weight with seat belt use.
• Describe the specific groups who are at risk for premature death and injury because of low rates of seat belt use.
• Identify the development of seat belts that will accomodate a wider range of people as a priority

Keywords: Obesity, Safety

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.

Recorded presentation