Prevalence of rear seat belt use among pregnant women in a suburban area of Japan

AimThe aim of this study was to clarify the prevalence and influencing factors of rear seat belt use among pregnant women. MethodsQuestionnaires were given to 1546 pregnant women who visited obstetrics clinics and hospitals for prenatal checkups from October to December 2013. A total of 1494 pregnant women (96.6%) agreed to participate in this study and completed the questionnaire. ResultsFewer than 20% of the rear-seat passengers always' used seat belts before and during pregnancy, whereas a third never' used a seat belt before or during pregnancy. There was no significant decrease in seat belt use by rear-seat passengers during compared to before pregnancy. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, knowledge of how to use a seat belt during pregnancy, belief in the compulsory use of a rear seat belt and driver behavioral characteristics before pregnancy were associated with rear seat belt use during pregnancy. ConclusionsThe prevalence of fastening seat belts was substantially low. The provision of information regarding proper seat belt use and its role in protecting the fetus may increase use.