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| Research article summary (published 30 Oct 2002): |
Seatbelt use, attitudes, and changes in legislation: an international study.
Full Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The use of seat belts is among the most effective methods of reducing injury in motor vehicle crashes. We examined trends in seat belt use by university students from 13 European countries between 1990 and 2000, in relation to changes in legislation, attitudes, and hazardous driver behaviors.
METHODS:
Data were collected via an anonymous standardized questionnaire from university students in Belgium, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. There were 10,576 respondents in 1990, and 10,294 in 2000. Data were also collected from 1672 students in the United States in 2000. Analyses were performed in early 2002.
RESULTS:
Reported seat belt use increased from 63% to 73% in male students, and from 66% to 77% in female students over the decade. There were marked increases in seat belt use in countries with changes in legislation or enforcement from 1990 to 2000, with 24% to 64% more respondents reporting seat belt use in 2000. The prevalence of use and noted changes during this period correlated with findings from national surveys (r= 0.91). Attitudes to seat belt use were associated with behavior both within and between countries. Nonuse of seat belts was positively related to alcohol-impaired driving and failure to obey speed limits.
CONCLUSIONS:
Legislation has a substantial impact on the use of vehicle seat belts, but additional gains require efforts to change attitudes within the university student population.
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Author information
Author/s: Steptoe, Andrew (A); Wardle, Jane (J); Fuller, Ray (R); Davidsdottir, Sigurlina (S); Davou, Bettina (B); Justo, Joao (J);
Affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College, London, United Kingdom. a.steptoe(-atsign-)ucl.ac.uk
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Journal: American journal of preventive medicine (Am J Prev Med), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2002-Nov; vol 23 (issue 4) : pp 254-9
Dates: Created 2002/10/30; Completed 2003/03/04; Revised 2006/11/15;
PMID: 12406479, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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