Maduro, Maidi2025-10-012025-10-012025-08-31Maduro, M. (August 31, 2025). Buckle Up, Aruba: Exploring the Relationship Between Modifying Factors, Parental Perceptions, and Compliance. A Quantitative Study on Car Seat and Seat Belt Use in Children Under 12. Bachelor thesis. University of Aruba.https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14473/1660Road traffic injuries are among the leading causes of child fatalities globally, with the correct use of child car seats and seat belts proven to significantly reduce injury and mortality rates (Seat Belts and Child Restraints, n.d.). In Aruba, legislation mandates their use for children under 12 years of age; however, compliance remains inconsistent, thereby exposing young passengers to unnecessary risks (R. Kock KPA, personal communication, October 4, 2024). This study aimed to determine how demographic and cultural factors shape parental perceptions of child car seat and seat belt use, and how these perceptions influence self-reported compliance in Aruba. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) (Rosenstock et al., 1988), this research examined how factors such as demographic and cultural characteristics influence perceptions of susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy, and how these perceptions in turn influence compliance. A structured quantitative survey was conducted among 235 parents of children under 12 years of age, supplemented by expert insights from law enforcement and healthcare professionals. Results indicate moderate self-reported compliance, with most parents aware of the law yet admitting to inconsistent restraint use. Cultural norms, perceived barriers, and a lack of enforcement were identified as key obstacles. Parental beliefs about the benefits of car seats, perceived risk, and confidence in proper usage were significantly associated with higher compliance. The study concludes that knowledge alone is insufficient; sustainable compliance requires reinforcing motivation, clarifying legal guidelines, and providing practical support. Recommendations include strengthening legal enforcement, implementing culturally tailored public awareness campaigns, and providing clear guidance on the proper use of child restraints.enAttribution 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/child passenger safetychild restraint systemchild car seat complianceHealth Belief Modelparental perceptionstraffic safety lawscultural influencespublic awarenesslaw enforcementArubaBachelor dissertation