Process evaluation of the bassinet restraint loan scheme in Victoria

The value of the use of safety restraints for all vehicle occupants has been recognized, and corresponding legislation has been implemented in Australia. However, legislation alone has not been sufficient to increase significantly the use of safety restraints for infants. In an attempt to address this issue, a statewide infant safety restraint loan scheme has been in operation in Victoria since May 1985. At the time of this study, 203 of 210 municipalities in Victoria were participating in the scheme. An operational evaluation of the Bassinet Loan Scheme (BLS) was undertaken after 18 months of operation. Questionnaires were completed by 426 parents attending selected maternal and child health centres. The questionnaire was designed to provide information about the use of safety restraint for infants aged 0-6 months, parental attitudes towards the restraint, and sociodemographic characteristics. The study demonstrated that 81% of the population surveyed used the infant safety restraint, but only 52% were in the BLS. The pattern of usage of safety restraints for infants was related to maternal age and educational level.