Korean J Pediatr.  2018 Dec;61(12):381-386. 10.3345/kjp.2018.06604.

Current use of safety restraint systems and front seats in Korean children based on the 2008–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

• Kong SG

• KMID: 2433726
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2018.06604

Abstract

PURPOSE
The use of proper safety restraint systems by children is vital for the reduction of traffic accident-related injury and death. This study evaluated the rates of use of safety restraint systems and front seats by Korean children.
METHODS
Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2008 to 2015, I investigated the frequencies of safety restraint systems and front seat use by children under six and 12 years of age, respectively.
RESULTS
The percentage of respondents who said they always use safety restraint systems increased from 17.7% in 2008 to 45.0% in 2015. The rate of children who did not use the front seats at all was 47.3 % in 2008 compared to 33.4% in 2015. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a decrease in safety-restraint-system use as age increased (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51-0.77). The use rate of front-passenger seat belts by the mother is significantly correlated with the safety-restraint- system use rate by children (odds ratio, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.12-4.06).
CONCLUSION
Although the rate of safety-restraint-system use for children is increasing annually, it remains low. Additionally, the use rate of front passenger seats for children is high. To reduce the rates of injury and death of children from traffic accidents, it is necessary to educate on the appropriate use of safety restraint systems according to age and body size and to develop stronger regulations.

Keyword

Child; Child restraint systems; Traffic accidents

MeSH Terms

Accidents, Traffic
Body Size
Child Restraint Systems
Child*
Humans
Korea*
Logistic Models
Mothers
Nutrition Surveys*
Seat Belts
Social Control, Formal
Surveys and Questionnaires