APHA
Back to Annual Meeting Page
 
American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
4042.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 8:45 AM

Abstract #102917

What pediatricians DON’T know about the largest killer of children- Results from a statewide study regarding child passenger safety

Katherine J. Smith, MSW, Violence & Injury Prevention Program, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, 114 Woodland ST, Suite 1019 Gengras, Hartford, CT 06105, 860.714.4807, ksmith@stfranciscare.org

Motor vehicle crashes result in greater than 274,000 injuries per year and cost more than 1,800 children under the age of 14, their lives each year. This makes motor vehicle crashes the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children. However, one of the biggest resources in prevention efforts, pediatricians, are currently under-informed and underutilized. Child passenger safety seats (CPSS) and seatbelts effectively save lives and prevent injuries when used correctly and consistently. Unfortunately they are difficult to use and complicated to install, even for the most well-intentioned parent. In fact, 90% of car seats are installed incorrectly, and 30% of children continue to ride completely unrestrained.

Pediatric providers may effectively address this lack of knowledge regarding CPSS through the process of anticipatory guidance. Anticipatory guidance has been shown to have a positive impact on behaviors, and the ongoing provider-parent relationship makes this brief intervention an efficient use of resources. This study was initiated to gather data on pediatricians' knowledge of child passenger safety recommendations, state and AAP policy, anticipatory guidance practices, and provider opinions on barriers to proper use.

This abstract will review pediatrician's knowledge regarding CPSS, the accuracy of this knowledge, and anticipatory guidance practices. It also provides insight into what providers perceive as barriers patients have to proper use. The presentation of this abstract reviews the mechanism of injuries in crashes, reviews the AAP policy recommendations regarding child passenger safety, and provides pediatricians and public health educators concrete recommendations on instructing parents regarding CPSS.

Learning Objectives:

  • 1. Understand the results of a statewide study regarding pediatrician’s knowledge of child passenger safety (CPS) and the comparison of these results to the current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations regarding CPS.
  • 2. Articulate the mechanisms of injuries and fatalities of childhood’s number one killer

    Keywords: Public Health Education and Health Promotion, Prevention

    Related Web page: www.connecticutprevention.com

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

    The Role of Families and Providers in Promoting Children's Health and Development

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA