Abstract

Objective: To evaluate a pilot program of providing child restraint system (CRS) checks by certified technicians with well-child care in an urban health center serving a low-income community.

Methods: During well-child care, nationally certified child passenger safety technicians assessed CRS use, educated care givers, corrected misuse, and provided a new CRS if necessary. The program’s effect was assessed at a subsequent medical visit.

Results: A total of 3650 CRS checks were performed. CRS non-use was found for 307 (17%) infants, 604 (50%) toddlers, and 593 (88%) booster seat-sized children. Exposure to the program was associated with a significant positive effect on CRS use (p<0.001) and significant improvements in the major components of misuse (p<0.05) months later.

Conclusions: This urban health center has high rates of CRS non-use and near-universal misuse. Providing CRS checks by certified technicians during well-child care is a promising means of promoting sustained and improved CRS use.