Infant Passenger Restraint Education Study

Abstract

This study evaluates whether a hands-on educational intervention makes a significant difference in the proper use of an infant passenger restraint by a parent. The sample was chosen from parents who were at least seven months pregnant and who planned to transport their infants in passenger motor vehicles. Each participant was randomly placed in one of two groups. All participants received a free infant car seat and a standardized education session on the safety and use of infant passenger restraints. The experimental group received an additional component consisting of a hands-on demonstration and return demonstration of correct installation and use in their own vehicle. All hands-on teaching was done by RNs who were nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Follow up observations of correctness of use was done by appointment several months after birth using a standardized observation tool.

The total sample consisted of 111 parents. There were 56 in the intervention group and 55 in the control group. Participants ranged in age from 19 to 53 years, with the majority in their 30's. Most were women. They were well educated, with above average incomes. A high number were of Asian ethnicity. A total of24 (22%) had correct use. Of these, 18 (32%) were in the intervention group and 6 (11%) were in the control group. The intervention group was 4 times more likely to have correct use than the control group (odds ratio 4.3, P value=0.0074). The number of errors per person was 0 to 7, with most having 0 to 2. The rates of errors were 33% less in the intervention group (ratio of 0.67). There were few serious errors. Secondary variables tested in regression analysis were age, education, income, and help from others. None of these variables was found to have a significant effect on the outcome.

The hands-on educational intervention made a significant difference in the proper use of a child passenger restraint by a parent. This study demonstrates the value of hands­ on teaching for parents to learn how to install and use a child car seat. Everyone who transports a child in a motor vehicle should have access to this type of education. Nurses, physicians, and others working with families should encourage them to seek out this kind of teaching, and should advocate for more programs which offer this service.