Citation

Frascogna MN, King B, Lycans S, Nichols M, Monroe K. Pediatr. Emerg. Care 2011; 27(8): 727-730.

Affiliation

Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS; Southeast Child Safety Institute, Department of Pediatrics; and Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PEC.0b013e318226c85a

PMID

21811197

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Since 1987, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has had a policy regarding the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) by children, which calls for pediatricians to educate families regarding the dangers of ATV use and to give recommendations for safety. Given the high incidence of ATV-related injuries in Alabama, our objective was to determine if pediatricians in our state are educating patients on ATV hazards and safety. METHODS:: All general pediatricians in Alabama who are members of the AAP were asked to complete a survey distributed through e-mail using Survey Monkey (Survey Monkey Palo Alto, Calif). Data were entered into Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation Redmond, Wash). RESULTS:: Of the 353 general pediatricians in Alabama, 104 responded. Forty-one percent of the respondents were not aware that there is an AAP policy. Of the 59% who knew of the policy, 36% correctly identified the age limit recommendations. Forty-eight percent said that they routinely give anticipatory guidance regarding ATV use. Of them, 63% gave age recommendations younger than stated in the AAP policy. In addition, only 52% of them recommend helmet use, 5% recommend use of reflective clothing, 35% discourage passenger riding, and 8% encourage ATV training classes. Respondents who had patients treated for ATV-related injuries were more likely to give anticipatory guidance than those who had not had patients treated (χ = 5.3; P = 0.02; odds ratio, 3.9 [95% confidence interval, 1.2-13.6]). Respondents who practice in rural areas were more likely not to give anticipatory guidance than those who practice in urban areas (χ = 2.1; P = 0.14; odds ratio, 2.9 [95% confidence interval, 0.8-5.4]). CONCLUSIONS:: Many general pediatricians in a state where ATV use is popular are not familiar with the current AAP policy and do not routinely follow its guidelines. Given the high incidence of ATV-related injuries and the complexities of general practice, exploring multiple methods to modify risk-taking ATV behavior is warranted.

Language: en