|
Abstract
|
OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the correlates and barriers to helmet use among motorcycle riders in Wa, a motorcycle predominant town in Ghana. An additional objective was to find out the association between helmet use and riders' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards helmets.
METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys comprising both observation of helmet use and interviews were conducted among motorcycle riders at six randomly selected fuel stations and four motorcycle service centres within and outside the Central Business District of Wa. Questions covered riders' socio-demographic and riding characteristics, helmet use, reasons for use or non-use of helmets, and knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about helmets. Analyses were based on frequencies and testing of strength of association using adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) in Binary Logistic Regression.
RESULTS: The prevalence of helmet use among the 271 sampled riders was 46% (95% CI: 40.2-52.0). Gender, age, marital status and occupation were significant socio-demographic correlates of helmet use in Wa. Compared to currently married riders, unmarried riders were 5times less likely to use a helmet. No significant association existed between riders' educational attainment and helmet use. Helmet use was also positively correlated with helmet ownership and license holding. The leading reasons stated for helmet non-use among non-users were, not travelling on a long distance and helmets block vision and hearing. Protection from injury, legal requirement, and coping with the police for fear of being accosted for helmet non-use were identified as common reasons for helmet use. Positive attitudes and beliefs were also significantly correlated with helmet use.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the existence of a legislation mandating the use of helmets on all roads as well as the high level of awareness among riders on this legislation and the benefits of helmets, the incidence of helmet use among motorists continue to be low in Wa, Ghana. This means that efforts to identify strategies to increase helmet use need to continue. The evidence provided by this study suggests that stakeholders in road safety need to put in interventions to ensure a rigorous enforcement of the helmet use legislation and improvement in helmet design. These should be combined with the development of targeted educational programs with the aim of changing unfavorable attitudes and beliefs towards helmet use.
Language: en |