Mamoru Morikawa1, Takashi Yamada2, Emi Kato-Hirayama3, Akira Nishikawa4, Michiko Watari5, Nobuhiko Maeda6, Hiromasa Kogo7, Hisanori Minakami1. 1. Department of Obstetrics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, JCHO Hokkaido Hospital, Sapporo, Japan. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapporo City General Hokkaido Hospital, Sapporo, Japan. 4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NTT East Sapporo General Hospital, Sapporo, Japan. 5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tenshi General Hospital, Sapporo, Japan. 6. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapporo Toho Hospital, Sapporo, Japan. 7. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapporo Maternity Women's Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.
Abstract
AIM: This study was performed to determine the rate of pregnant occupants in motor vehicle accidents (MVA) and the frequency of seatbelt use in pregnancy in Japan. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted at seven centers located in Sapporo, targeting all 3952 women in gestational weeks 35-37 during the study period between June 2013 and January 2014. Information was collected on parity, driver's license, seatbelt use, seat preference, carrying Mother and Child Health Handbook when going out, and experience of occupant MVA during current pregnancy. Women who reported always using a seatbelt were classified as always seatbelt users (ASU). RESULTS: A total of 2420 women who were given questionnaires provided responses (response rate, 61%). Seventy women (2.9%) reported having experienced an occupant MVA during the current pregnancy. MVA rate was significantly lower for ASU than non-ASU (2.6% [55/2097] vs 4.6% [15/323], respectively, P < 0.0001), and for ASU women preferring the rear seat than for other women (1.3% [6/451] vs 3.3% [64/1969], respectively, P = 0.0282). MVA rate tended to be lower for women preferring the rear seat than the front seat (1.7% [10/575] vs 3.3% [60/1845], respectively, P = 0.0637). The number of ASU, 94% (2286/2420) before pregnancy, decreased significantly to 87% (2097/2420) after the current pregnancy (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The careful attitude of pregnant women toward driving safety may be associated with reduced risk of MVA in pregnancy. There is a need for an intensified campaign to promote seatbelt use among pregnant women.
AIM: This study was performed to determine the rate of pregnant occupants in motor vehicle accidents (MVA) and the frequency of seatbelt use in pregnancy in Japan. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted at seven centers located in Sapporo, targeting all 3952 women in gestational weeks 35-37 during the study period between June 2013 and January 2014. Information was collected on parity, driver's license, seatbelt use, seat preference, carrying Mother and Child Health Handbook when going out, and experience of occupant MVA during current pregnancy. Women who reported always using a seatbelt were classified as always seatbelt users (ASU). RESULTS: A total of 2420 women who were given questionnaires provided responses (response rate, 61%). Seventy women (2.9%) reported having experienced an occupant MVA during the current pregnancy. MVA rate was significantly lower for ASU than non-ASU (2.6% [55/2097] vs 4.6% [15/323], respectively, P < 0.0001), and for ASUwomen preferring the rear seat than for other women (1.3% [6/451] vs 3.3% [64/1969], respectively, P = 0.0282). MVA rate tended to be lower for women preferring the rear seat than the front seat (1.7% [10/575] vs 3.3% [60/1845], respectively, P = 0.0637). The number of ASU, 94% (2286/2420) before pregnancy, decreased significantly to 87% (2097/2420) after the current pregnancy (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The careful attitude of pregnant women toward driving safety may be associated with reduced risk of MVA in pregnancy. There is a need for an intensified campaign to promote seatbelt use among pregnant women.