Determinants of seat belt use among drivers

A BRFSS study from a middle-income country (Vojvodina, Serbia)

Bibliographic Data

ID22080966
AuthorsSmiljana Rajčević (0000-0003-2721-284X, University of Novi Sad), Ivana Radić (0000-0003-4946-6437, University of Novi Sad), Tanja Tomašević (University of Novi Sad), Sonja Čanković (0000-0001-7582-0415, University of Novi Sad), Sanja Harhaji (0000-0003-0561-6077, University of Novi Sad), Snežana Ukropina (0000-0001-8217-5215, University of Novi Sad), Katarina Mašić (University of Novi Sad), Dragoslav Kukić (0000-0002-3456-298X, Vocational College of Traffic and Transport), Mirjana Štrbac (0000-0003-1532-5548, Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina), Radmila Petrović (Klinički centar Vojvodine), Tatjana Pustahija (0000-0002-6115-6709, University of Novi Sad), Vladimir Petrović (0000-0002-8306-0396, University of Novi Sad)
Year2026
Volume14
Pages1834226-1834226
Publication date2026-06-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2026.1834226
PMID42326964
OpenAlexW7163562490
LanguageEN
References cited35

Introduction Wearing a seat belt is a crucial safety measure to prevent road traffic injuries, but adherence varies among different groups. Local data on driver behavior in Serbia, especially in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (APV), is limited. Objective The aim of our study was to examine the prevalence of seat belt use and the sociodemographic factors influencing seat belt use among drivers in APV. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023–2024 among 6,726 healthcare users aged ≥18 years. Participants were recruited from 44 primary healthcare centers across 45 municipalities using stratified sampling by age, sex, and settlement type. The questionnaire was adapted from the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and data were collected via Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI), using selected modules on demographics and seat belt use. The outcome was self-reported seat belt use (consistent/inconsistent). Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics and BMI. Binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of inconsistent seat belt use. Results Overall, 83.1% of drivers reported always wearing a seat belt. Inconsistent use was significantly associated with male gender (AOR 0.54; 95% CI 0.47–0.63; p < 0.001), urban residence (AOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.16–1.55; p < 0.001), lower education (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.21–0.91; p < 0.027), self-employment (AOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.34–2.14, p < 0.001) or unemployment (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.11–2.13; p = 0.009), and certain districts, like Srem district (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.45–2.61; p < 0.001). Age, marital status, BMI, and self-assessed financial status were less consistent predictors. Conclusion Seat belt use among APV drivers is high but varies by sociodemographic factors and region. Implementing targeted public health measures and local enforcement strategies is essential to improve compliance, especially among men, younger drivers, and high-risk occupational groups

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System · Demographics · Logistic regression · Marital status · Occupational safety and health · Residence · Seat belt · Stratified sampling · Automotive and Human Injury Biomechanics · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Traffic and Road Safety · Trauma and Emergency Care Studies

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access