SAFETYLIT WEEKLY UPDATE

We compile citations and summaries of about 400 new articles every week.
RSS Feed

HELP: Tutorials | FAQ
CONTACT US: Contact info

Search Results

Journal Article

Citation

Ichikawa M, Nakahara S, Okubo T, Wakai S. Inj. Prev. 2003; 9(2): 169-172.

Affiliation

Department of Community Health, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan. masao@m.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12810746

PMCID

PMC1730948

Abstract

CONTEXT: Pregnant women are exempted from the current seatbelt legislation in Japan despite the fact that seatbelt use is essential to reduce the risk of fatalities for these women and their fetuses in car crashes. OBJECTIVE: To examine factors that might influence seatbelt use during pregnancy. METHODS: A cross sectional study, with data collected via an anonymous, self administered questionnaire at obstetric clinics in suburban areas of Japan. Altogether 880 pregnant women receiving prenatal care in July 2001 were recruited. The relative effects of factors that might influence seatbelt use during pregnancy were estimated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Almost 70%-80% of pregnant women were consistent seatbelt wearers before pregnancy but seatbelt compliance was reduced by about half at 20 weeks or more gestation. Only 20% had received information on maternal seatbelt use, with one third reporting that seatbelt use is beneficial during pregnancy. Those who perceived that maternal seatbelt use is beneficial tended to maintain use, but daily car users and those who knew that they were exempted from seatbelt legislation were more likely to reduce use. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the legislative exemption for pregnant women, misunderstanding of the benefits, and daily car use contributed to the reduction in seatbelt use after pregnancy.

NEW SEARCH


All SafetyLit records are available for automatic download to Zotero & Mendeley
Print