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Abstract
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Introduction Kindergarten children are one of the vulnerable groups affected by road traffic injury. There are no laws in Uganda for transporting children. This study reviews known risk factors for transporting Kindergarten children in Uganda.
Methods 38 sampled kindergartens were identified from a city council school list and stratified by location. Children were observed for seven consecutive schools days in urban Kampala. Trained research assistants observed transport means, safety belt use, car restraint use and seating position. Frequency analysis was done.
Results Children 40.1% were dropped in motorcars, 11.5% by motorcycles, while others walked. 92% used private cars, 6.4% passenger service cars, 1.2% school vans, 1.0% cabs and 0.2% truck. 63.4% of drivers who dropped children used seat belts. 8% of children used car seats. 89% were sitting, 9.5% standing, 1% carried while 0.5% sleeping. Children (61.8%) sat at the back, 33.7% at the front, while 4.5% sat between front and back seats. Children (80.7%) were received by an adult. 99% of motorcycle child passengers did not wear helmets. Motorcyclists (65%) who dropped children wore helmets. 71% riders had one child passenger, 27.3% had two passengers, 1.7% had three passengers.
Discussion and conclusion Motorised transport in Uganda is very unsafe for kindergarten children and it requires regulation particularly on the usage of safety belts, helmets and car restraints. |