US caregivers' attitudes and risk perceptions towards pediatric vehicular heatstroke: A national survey

The objective of this study was to characterize caregivers' beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes related to PVH risk factors and potential mitigating technologies.METHODS/DATA SOURCES: We conducted a national survey of US caregivers to: (1) determine caregivers' perceptions of PVH risk for children in their care, as well as their thoughts about adopting risk mitigating technologies, (2) characterize scenarios in which caregivers intentionally leave children unattended in vehicles, and (3) assess caregiver awareness of national PVH campaigns. We used a variety of question formats (select all that apply, multiple choice, free response). Data were analyzed data using descriptive statistics and caregiver responses related to PVH event behaviors were compared across selected demographic characteristics using chi-square tests.RESULTS: Exactly 1,500 caregivers completed the survey; 60% were female and 60% were non-Hispanic White. Most, or 88%, of our respondents reported they do not leave their child(ren) alone in vehicles for any amount of time. However, there were differences in who engages in this behavior by caregivers' gender, education, income, and number of children. Few, or 12%, believed they were at any risk for having a child overheat in a vehicle, and most caregivers described negative and/or judgmental views of those who were at-risk. Nearly all participants indicated it was important that caregivers receive education about PVH (95%), and the majority, or 90%, responded the...
Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention. - Category: Accident Prevention Authors: Source Type: research