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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Shelli Stephens-Stidham, MPA¹, Cecilia Alsobrook, BA², Pam Archer, MPH¹, and Mary Outwater, PhD³. (1) Injury Prevention Service, Oklahoma Department of Health, 1000 N.E. 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1299, 405-271-3430, shellis@health.ok.gov, (2) Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, 3223 Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105, (3) Public Opinion Learning Laboratory, Oklahoma University, 640 Parrington Oval #301, Norman, OK 73019

Purpose. This study will identify the factors associated with non-child passenger restraint use among children 5-15 years of age in Oklahoma. Methods. A random targeted statewide telephone survey of parents with children 5-15 years of age was conducted from May through July 2005. Results. Fifty-two percent of parents of 5-7 year-olds reported using a booster seat for their children. Among children 5-7 years who use a seat belt, 20% of parents reported their child stopped using a car seat at 5 years of age. Among parents whose children use a seat belt rather than booster seat, 17% said they use a seat belt instead of booster seat because the child is 6 years or older and the law doesn't affect them. Parents of children 8-15 years reported their child uses a seat belt because of safety reasons (39%), parents require them to (21%), or it's the law (11%). Sixty percent of parents of children 8-15 years reported their children ride in the back seat compared to 96% of children 5-7 years of age. Conclusion. Substantial efforts have been directed at increasing restraint use among infants and very young children. Information from this study will be used to address gaps in efforts aimed at children the “middle” age group.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what factors contribute to non-use of child passenger restraint among Oklahoma children.
• Determine appropriate messages to deliver to parents and care givers of children to increase child passenger restraint use in Oklahoma.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation