1A.003 Affordability and availability of child restraints in under-served populations in South Africa. (14th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Puvanachandra, Prasanthi; Janmohammed, Aliasgher; Mtambeka, Pumla; Prinsloo, Megan; As, Sebastian Van; Peden, Margaret
• Is Part Of: Injury prevention. Volume 27(2021)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A1
• Page End: A1
• Publication Date: 2021-03-14
• Subjects: Children's accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2021-safety.3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8047

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Child road traffic injuries are a major global public health problem and the issue is particularly burdensome in middle-income countries such as South Africa (SA) where injury death rates are 41 per 100 000 for under 5's and 24.5 per 100 000 for 5–14-year-olds. Despite their known effectiveness in reducing injuries amongst children, and a recently amended law, the rate of child restraint systems (CRS) usage remains low in SA and little is known about barriers and facilitating factors. Methods: We carried out observation studies and parent/carer surveys in 6 suburbs of Cape Town over three months to assess usage rates and explore knowledge and perceptions of parents towards CRS legislation, ownership and cost. Results: Only 7.8% of child passengers were observed to be properly restrained in a CRS with driver seatbelt use and single child occupancy being associated with higher child restraint use. 92% of survey respondents claimed to have knowledge of current child restraint legislation, however, only 32% of those parents/carers were able to correctly identify the age requirements and penalty. Reasons for not owning a child seat included high cost and the belief that seatbelts were a suitable alternative. Conclusions: These findings indicate the need for tighter legislation with an increased fine paired with enhanced enforcement of both adult seatbelt and child restraint use. The provision of low-cost/subsidised CRS or borrowing schemes and targeted social marketing through online fora, well baby clinics, early learning centres would be beneficial in increasing ownership and use of CRS.