oa Prevalence of awareness of car seat use amongst parents in State of Qatar - A cross-sectional study

Introduction: MVC accident is one of the major cause of mortality and morbidity in children. In 2010, road traffic accidents were the major cause of 228 deaths and 568 major injuries in Qatar.(4). Children in cars who are not restrained, have a great risk of being injured. Our aim from this study is to check parents' awareness of the important of using child restrain (car seat) and reasons behind preventing them from not using it.

Objectives: Check parents' awareness of using car seat in Qatar. And do they know related information about installing car seat in their car and how to use it? Methods: A prospective cross sectional qualitative survey study was conducted at PEC Alsadd of Hamad Medical Corporation from (May 1st 2015 to October 31st 2015). A total number of 212 sample questionnaires were filled by parents whom visited PEC because of their children illness. All have been given survey questionnaire to fill while they are in waiting area. Then research assistants collect filled questionnaires.

Results: Distribution of Male: female is 40.6% (86) and 59.4% (126) 70.8% (150) have car seat and 29.2% (62) have no car seat. The Qatari: non-Qatari population is 10% (21): 90% (121) in the study. Among the Qatari respondent, 85.7% (18) have car seat and 14.3% (3) have no car seats. 12% of cases were children with chronic illness. 84% parents have 4wd cars. 80% of parents have university certification, though only 65% of them who have car seat. And 31% of them who use always car seats.

Conclusion: This study showed the importance of doing more parents education about the importance of using car seats.