Citation

Beck LF, Gilbert BC, Shults RA. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2005; 192(2): 580-585.

Affiliation

Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. LBeck@cdc.gov

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ajog.2004.07.027

PMID

15696006

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of counseling to wear seat belts during pregnancy and seat belt use among women of reproductive age. STUDY DESIGN: Self-reported data from 2 population-based surveys were used to examine counseling to wear seat belts during pregnancy and seat belt use among reproductive-aged women. RESULTS: The prevalence of counseling to wear seat belts during pregnancy ranged from 36.7% to 56.5% across 19 states. The prevalence of seat belt use among reproductive-aged women ranged from 69.5% to 91.4% across 19 states. Younger, non-Hispanic black, and less educated pregnant women were more likely to report counseling, but reproductive-aged women with these characteristics were less likely than older, non-Hispanic white, and more educated women to use seat belts. CONCLUSION: Most women are not counseled about seat belt use during pregnancy. Providers should ensure that this topic is discussed with each patient.