Citation

Howard AW, Beben N, Rothman L, Fiissel D, Macarthur C. Inj. Prev. 2006; 12(5): 316-319.

Affiliation

Population Health Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/ip.2006.012138

PMID

17018673

PMCID

PMC2563460

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a national one week media campaign promoting booster seat use. DESIGN: Pre-test, post-test design based on nationally representative random digit dialing telephone survey, with control for exposure to campaign. SETTING: Canada. SUBJECTS: Parents of children aged 4-9 years. INTERVENTIONS: During a one week campaign in May 2004, information on booster seat use was distributed via a national media campaign, retail stores, medical clinics, and community events. Information included pamphlets with guidelines for booster seat use, as well as a growth chart (designed by Safe Kids Canada) to assist parents in determining if their child should be using a booster seat. Assessing seat belt fit was described in detail on the growth chart. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported behaviors regarding booster seat use. RESULTS: Respondents in the group exposed to the campaign were twice as likely to report using a booster seat with lap and shoulder belt for their child (47%), compared to those in the pre-test (24%) and the unexposed (23%) groups (p<0.001). However, only small differences in general knowledge regarding booster seat use were found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A one week national media campaign substantially increased self-reported use of booster seats. Parents did not remember details of the campaign content, but did remember implications for their own child.

Language: en