| The primary cause of death and disabling injury among children is the trauma received in motor vehicle accidents. Despite educational programs, advertising campaigns, and child passenger laws, children continue to travel unrestrained. This study, using the Health Belief Model (HBM), was undertaken to determine if parental beliefs and attitudes influenced child safety restraint (CSR) use. HBM variables tested were susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, and barriers. The variables perceived control, educational level, and accident history were added to enhance predictability.;The instrument used for data collection was based on a tool developed by Champion (1981). Data were obtained from 297 parents who were given the instrument during an observational survey.;Reliability for the HBM and perceived control scales was estimated using the Cronbach alpha statistic. Scale construct validity was assessed using alpha factor analysis. Based on the factor results the Barrier and Benefit scales were combined into one scale because the items loaded on the same factor. Results support that the scales functioned as reliable and valid scales. Prediction of observed and reported CSR use, employing the expanded HBM, was assessed using multiple regression analysis. Data analysis indicated that the combined independent variable Benefit/Barrier contributed from 26% (observed) to 30% (reported) of the explained variance, and was the only significant variable in predicting CSR use. No other predictor variable contributed more than 1.5% of the explained variance. Results indicated that parents who considered a CSR beneficial used one; those who found barriers to CSR use did not use one.;Based on the results, even when modified the tool developed by Champion (1981) functioned as a reliable and valid tool for a different health behavior, the variable Benefit/Barrier was the only construct useful for predicting behavior; and the expanded HBM did not increase predictive precision. Continued research is needed to examine further HBM modifications and to determine what factors impact CSR use. |
