Children are much more likely than adults to get serious injuries in car crashes due to their softer bones, weaker neck muscle and fragile bodies. Child restraint system (CRS) can help in reduce injury and prevent fatality in the event of a crash. Thus the aim of this paper is to gauge the prevalence of CRS usage among guardians of children age below 11 years old. A survey to addressed guardians knowledge on CRS usage, practice and their views on fitting child restraints system to their vehicles were carried out among parents and carers who are caring children aged 11 years old and below. Seventy-four percent (74%) out of 500 respondents cited they have used CRS, however only 40% of them is currently using CRS with their children. Respondent in Kuala Lumpur and younger guardians reported twice likely to use CRS. In addition, graduate respondents are 1.5 times more likely to use CRS for their children. In conclusion, high incorrect usage rate and understanding of the CRS could promote additional injury towards the children in a car crash. Many initiatives could be introduced before the implementation of the CRS law in Malaysia such as awareness, community-based programs and CRS clinics that aim to guide guardians on the correct and effective way of installing the CRS device in their car

Introduction: The association between vitamin D inadequacy and blood pressure (BP) has been studied in several populations. We examined the association of maternal vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D levels and BP among pregnant women in West Sumatra. Methods: This study was conducted using a comparative cross-sectional study in a maternal clinic selected by convenience in Padang. Pregnant mothers who attended the clinic in July-August 2015 were recruited. Inclusion criteria were pregnancy between 28-42 weeks, aged 20-35 years, and with less than three parity status. A total of 56 women were recruited and divided equally into either normotension or hypertension groups. Subjects with blood pressure less than 120 mmHg (SBP) and 80 mmHg (DBP) were placed in the normotension group, while subjects with ≥140 mmHg (SBP) and/or ≥90 mmHg) were in the hypertension group. Subjects completed a pre-tested semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Three ml of non-fasting blood was drawn from each subject for determination of 25(OH)D, urea, creatinine, leukocyte, and blood glucose levels. Results: There was a significant difference in mean serum 25(OH)D, between the normotension and hypertension groups, at 36.85±21.58 pg/ml and 17.36±7.91 pg/ml, respectively. Only 20% of participants from the hypertension group had adequate vitamin D intake. Blood pressure status had a significant association with vitamin D intake status (p=0.001). Conclusion: Maternal vitamin D intake and 25(OH)D levels were associated with blood pressure status in this sample population. Further studies with a larger sample population are suggested to verify the findings of this study.

Child restraint system (CRS) can protect children in the event of crash and reduce the severity of injuries. As such, it is crucial to understand the prevalence of CRS usage and knowledge attributes on CRS usage among drivers. This study aims to assessdrivers’ knowledge on CRS usage.A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and pilot tested to verify its validity and reliability. The questionnaireaddressesdrivers’ knowledge about CRS currently available in the Malaysian market, the types of restraints used and views on fitting restraints to passenger vehicles. Seventy four percentfrom 500 respondents cited that they are usingor theyhave used CRS,64% knowabout CRS and its function, and 43% areawareof ISOFIX. In short, majority of the respondents are aware of CRS use and functions. Awareness and education program should berigorously introduced to public towards the implementation of the CRS law.
Child restraint system ; children passenger safety ; road traffic accident ; child injury

Correct seatbelt wearing is a prerequisite for the protection of a pregnant woman and her baby in the event of a crash. However, because of discomfort due to large abdomen and wrong belief, pregnant women may avoid using the safety belt or may wear it not according to the correct position as recommended. This research aims to assess the overall prevalence of seatbelt wearing and the proportion of correct seatbelt wearing among pregnant car occupants. A face-to-face interview survey was conducted on 503 pregnant car occupants in Klang Valley who are visiting pregnancy clinics for their monthly check-up. Seatbelt wearing rate among pregnant car occupants was recorded high for front occupant, 90% for driver and 85% for front passenger. However, rear passenger seatbelt compliance was low, only 24% reported always wearing seatbelt when they occupy the rear seats. Despite the high compliance rate of seatbelt usage among pregnant occupants, the correct positioning of the seatbelt was only 29% of overall respondents. The findings of the study suggest low percentage of correct seatbelt usage among pregnant occupants could increase the risk of injury in event of a crash. Thus, awareness and educations needed to advocate pregnant lady on the correct adjustment of seatbelt.