Car seatbelt use during pregnancy in Japan: determinants and policy implications

• DOI: 10.1136/ip.9.2.169
• Publication Date: 2003-06-16T19:19:32Z
• Authors: M Ichikawa; S Nakahara; T Okubo; S Wakai
• Keywords: Adult; Gestational Age; Seat Belts; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Cross-Sectional Studies; Logistic Models; 0302 clinical medicine; Japan; Pregnancy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Humans; Wounds and Injuries; Female; Attitude to Health

Pregnant women are exempted from the current seatbelt legislation in Japan despite fact that use is essential to reduce risk of fatalities for these and their fetuses car crashes.To examine factors might influence during pregnancy.A cross sectional study, with data collected via an anonymous, self administered questionnaire at obstetric clinics suburban areas Japan. Altogether 880 pregnant receiving prenatal care July 2001 were recruited. The relative effects pregnancy estimated using logistic regression analysis.Almost 70%-80% consistent wearers before but compliance was reduced by about half 20 weeks or more gestation. Only 20% had received information on maternal use, one third reporting beneficial pregnancy. Those who perceived tended maintain daily users those knew they likely use.Knowledge legislative exemption women, misunderstanding benefits, contributed reduction after