Background: Motor vehicle accidents can cause life-threatening injuries to children. Use of car safety seats (CSS) is the most reliable way to keep children safe during transportation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usage of children CSS among visitors of National Guard Primary health care centers and to detect parents knowledge, attitude, and practice about CSSs.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was carried out on parents of 400 children from February 2013 to May 2013 in Pediatric and Family Medicine Clinics of National Guard Primary Healthcare. Descriptive analysis of all variables in the questionnaire was done, along with an exploration of relationships using chi-square and logistic regression.
Results: It was found that 85.3% parents were aware of car seat safety while only 30% used it. Their primary source of knowledge was TV and media. The main reason for not using CSS was considering it unnecessary. The knowledge and use of CSS c orrelated significantly with the level of education and the income of parents.
Conclusion: The awareness among parents is reasonable; however, the use of CSSs is quite low. Parental knowl¬edge of correct use of CSS is less than op timum. Physicians have a significant role to play in educating parents about the importance of using CSS. Parents value the need for educational programs about CSS. It is necessary to establish laws to mandate using CSS.
Key words: Car safety seats, parents, children, Saudi Arabia
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