title: Factors Affecting Booster Seat Use.
abstract: Objective To identify general awareness of booster seats as well as reasons for use and nonuse in an urban pediatric emergency room. Methods A total of 100 questionnaires were completed consisting of 24 questions each. Questions included knowledge of booster seat guidelines, source of knowledge, awareness of risks, and confidence in booster seats. Afterward, participants were provided an educational handout. Results Majority of parents reported currently using or having used a booster seat. The most popular reason was to protect from injury (78%), and reason for nonuse was size (44%). Majority of parents agreed that motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death in children. However, 56% of parents prematurely transitioned child out of a booster seat. Only 20% reported learning about booster seats from their pediatrician. Conclusion Parents continue to transition their children prematurely from booster seats. Current state laws need revision as well as further education using simplified illustrated guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA jeru2les@cox.net.
authors.forename: Jerussa
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aita-Levy
authors.affiliation: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Henderson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D057207:Child Restraint Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055820:New Orleans; D010290:Parents; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: booster seat use; emergency room patients