The influence of demographic factors on seatbelt use by adults injured in motor vehicle crashes

This study determined demographic factors associated with reported seatbelt use among injured adults admitted to a trauma center. A retrospective char t review was conducted including all patients admitted to a trauma center f or injuries from motor vehicle crashes (MVC). E-codes (i.e. ICD-9 external cause of injury codes) were used to identify all patients injured in a MVC between January 1995 and December 1997. Age, sex. race, residence zip code (i.e. a proxy for income based on geographic location of residence), positi on in the vehicle, and seatbelt use were obtained from the trauma registry. Forward logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of seatbelt use. Complete data was available for 1366 (82%) patients. Seatbel t use was reported for 45% of patients under age of 25 years, 52% of those 25-60 years, and 68%,, of those over 60 years. Overall, seatbelt use was re ported for 45% of men and 63%, of women. as well as for 56% of Caucasians ( i.e. Whites) and 34% of African Americans. In addition., seatbelt use was r eported for 33% of those earning less than $20, 000 per year and 55% of tho se earning over $20, 000. Finally, seatbelt use was reported for 57% of dri vers and 43% of passengers. Logistic regression revealed that age, female g ender. Caucasian race, natural log of income, and driver were all significa nt predictors of reported seatbelt use. These results show that seatbelt us e was more likely to be reported for older persons. women, Caucasians. indi viduals with greater incomes, and drivers. Seatbelt use should be encourage d for everyone; however, young people, men, African Americans, individuals with lower incomes, and passengers should be targeted specifically. (C) 200 1 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.