Frequency and Determinants of Usage of Child Car Seats among Parents of Kindergarten and Primary Schools in Makkah Al Mukarramah City In 2023

Abstract

Child car seats (CCS) play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of children during motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). In Saudi Arabia, the utilization of CCS faces significant challenges, resulting in substantial negative impacts on disability-adjusted life-years. Despite the presence of mandatory regulations, the effective implementation of CCS remains inadequate. This deficiency is attributed to a lack of awareness and the absence of standardized national guidelines. This study aims to assess the frequency of CCS usage and the influencing factors in Makkah Al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia, with a focus on addressing this pressing safety concern. Methodology: This cross-sectional study is conducted in Makkah Al Mukarramah and utilized a multistage random sampling technique for the selection of schools and classes. Data collection involved an Arabic questionnaire developed by the authors and adapted from previously validated research studies. Electronic survey was employed for data collection, and subsequent analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 29. Results: The study investigated the utilization of child car seats among 374 parents in Makkah Al Mukarramah. Most of the respondents were female (60.4%), aged between 21 and 40 years (59.4%), and held bachelor's degrees (50.8%). The prevalence of car seat usage was 50%, with mothers being the primary users in most cases (50.3%). Gender, age, and education were found to significantly impact usage (p < 0.05). Factors related to knowledge exhibited varied effects on child safety. However, regression analysis revealed no significant correlations between car seat usage and parental knowledge concerning child safety and well-being. Conclusion: Our study offers valuable insights into the patterns of child car seat usage among parents in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It highlights how sociodemographic factors and parental perspectives play a pivotal role in influencing the adoption of CCS. These outcomes underscore the urgency for enhanced safety programs and policies concerning child car seat usage. Moreover, it is strongly recommended to conduct further research to gain a deeper understanding of the other factors influencing this issue. This expanded exploration will lead to a more thorough comprehension, subsequently facilitating the creation of suitable action plans specifically tailored to the unique context.