Citation

Brown J, Coxon K, Fong C, Clarke E, Rogers K, Keay L. Australas. J. Ageing 2016; 36(1): 26-31.

Affiliation

Injury Division, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Australian Council on the Ageing, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/ajag.12349

PMID

27473026

Abstract

AIM: Good seat belt fit and positioning is important for crash protection. Older drivers experience problems in achieving good seat belt fit and often reposition seat belts and/or use seat cushions. Comfort influences these behaviours. This work examines the impact of functional morbidities on belt positioning and accessory use and whether comfort mediates this relationship METHODS: Mediation analysis was used to examine the relationship between morbidities affecting physical function, comfort, belt repositions and seat cushion use among 380 drivers aged 75 years and older.

RESULTS: Musculoskeletal morbidities increase the likelihood of seat belt repositioning (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12-1.67) and comfort partially mediates this relationship (P = 0.03). Morbidities of any type also increase the likelihood of seat cushion use (OR 1.15 95% CI 1.04-1.27), but comfort plays no role in this relationship (P = 0.87).

CONCLUSION: Greater awareness among older drivers is needed, to ensure behavioural modifications do not impair their crash protection.

© 2016 AJA Inc.

Language: en