Multilevel linear model analysis on influence factors for child safety seat possession and usage

ObjectiveTo investigate parents′ knowledge, awareness and attitude toward child safety seat possession and the situation of its possession, usage and influence factors in this regard.

MethodsA cluster random sampling of 1 885 parents of children from ten kindergartens in Shanghai was done for questionnaire survey with regard to "status of children riding car", covering demographic information as well as knowledge about vehicle safety for children and child safety seat.Among the 1 885 parents, those who had private cars also answered attached questions on child passenger′s behavior.Multilevel linear model analysis was used to probe influence factors for child safety seat possession.

ResultsOf the 1 885 respondents, 59.36% owned private car(s), and 62.02% of the owners claimed having child safety seat.Multilevel linear model analysis indicated that high level of kindergarten, high level of family income led to high level of child safety seat possession rate.Young age of children, high frequency of child riding on the private car led to high frequency of child safety seat usage.

ConclusionThe difference between different kindergartens, children′s ages, family income and frequencies of riding are main influential factors for child safety seat possession and usage.