The influence of parent-child relationship on safety belt use among school children in Beirut

Abstract

Parent-child relationships have been linked to the health and social well-being of adolescents. This relationship may be especially influential in areas of the world where family bonds remain the strongest for children. The association of parent-child relations and safety belt use has not been extensively documented. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of parent-child relationship on adolescent safety belt use, controlling for other variables. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine determinants of safety belt use among school students in Lebanon. A two-stage sampling design resulted in the inclusion of 3/3 public and 10/23 private schools. Over 2400 students in grades 6-12 completed a cross-sectional self administered survey. Current safety belt use included student report to wearing seat belts in the front seat only or the front and back seat. Parent-child relationship was measured through student reports of 'getting along with parents'. Other variables included socio-demographic status, health, lifestyle and social characteristics. Logistic regression was performed for variables significant at the bivariate level resulting in three models. Getting along with parents was a significant predictor of safety belt use in the bivariate and all multiple regression models. In the most comprehensive multiple regression model, having a good relationship with parents doubled the likelihood of using a safety belt (95% CI: 1.1-3.1). The study provides enhanced evidence of the importance of the parent-adolescent relationship. Interventions with parents are recommended to enhance their awareness of their influence on their children.