Evaluation of a community-based intervention to promote rear seating for children.

Abstract

We evaluated the short-term effect of a community-based effort to promote child rear seating in a low-income Hispanic community. Child seating patterns were observed pre- and postintervention at intersections in 1 intervention and 2 control cities. Brief interviews assessed exposure to program messages. Child rear seating increased from 33% to 49% in the intervention city (P <.0001), which represented a greater increase than that in the control cities (P <.0001). The greatest improvement was observed in relatively higher-income areas. Rear seating was significantly correlated with reported program exposure. Incentives and exposure to the program across multiple channels seemed to have the greatest effect. Independent of legislation, community-based programs incorporating incentives can increase child rear seating.