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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Andrea D. Bradley-Ewing, MPA, MA and Kathleen J. Goggin, PhD. Department of Psychology, University of Missouri- Kansas City, 4825 Troost Ave., Suite 211-I, Kansas City, MO 64110, (816) 235-6714, bradleyan@umkc.edu

Background: Research has shown seat belts to be effective in reducing the fatalities and serious injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes. Despite this research, African Americans show lower usage rates than the general population. Several individual and social factors (e.g., health beliefs and peer influences) contribute to individuals' engagement in protective behaviors (e.g., seat belt use). The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive value of health beliefs, locus of control, and parental and peer influences on African Americans' seat belt use. Methods: Questionnaire data were collected from 222 African American college students. The questionnaire contained 47 items measuring seat belt use and associated predictors of use. Participants rated their use of seat belts on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = 0% or never to 5 = 100% or always). Consistent seat belt use was defined as using a seat belt 100% of the time. Participants also ranked the extent to which they agreed or disagreed (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree) with 23 statements relating to individual and social predictors of seat belt use. Results: Parental and peer influences emerged as the only significant predictor of consistent seat belt use among African American young adults (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.721-5.239). Conclusions: To reduce harm and injury, attitudes and behaviors of friends and family should be considered in the development of behavioral interventions to increase seat belt use among African American young adults.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize the public health implications of low seat belt use in the African American community.
• Identify predictors of seat belt use among young African Americans.
• Apply results from this study to develop behavioral interventions that utilize parents and peers as vehicles of behavior change.

Keywords: African American, Injury Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation