title: Predicting parents' use of booster seats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the simultaneous contribution of multiple factors associated with parents' use of booster seats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the theory of planned behaviour framework, constructs of the theory were tested for usefulness in predicting self-reported intent and behaviour with respect to parents' use of booster seats. Through the use of structural equation modelling, the study demonstrated the most significant predictors of the intent to use a booster seat and reported use of booster seats in a Canadian sample (n=1480) of parents of school-aged children, 4-9 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The strongest predictors of intent to use booster seats were attitudes (benefits of booster seat use) and second, subjective norms (perceived booster seat use in the community). Parent barriers were inversely associated with intent and use of booster seats and child barriers with use. Intent and norms had the greatest effect on use, both positive and equally influential. The final model explains 30% of the variance in booster seat use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Messages that address the benefit to the child in preventing injury could be beneficial if spread more diversely, establishing a social norm. Legislation, enforcement and local policy could positively influence the perceived culture that supports and expects booster seat use for school-aged children.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Professions, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. bsbruce@dal.ca
authors.forename: Beth S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Bruce
authors.forename: Anne W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Snowdon
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cunningham
authors.forename: Carolyn L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Cramm
authors.forename: Krista
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Whittle
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Correale
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barwick
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Piotrowski
authors.forename: Lynne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Warda
authors.forename: Jessie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harrold
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D057207:Child Restraint Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D057566:Self Report