|
Abstract
|
BACKGROUND: Wheeled sport (bicycle, scooter, and in-line skate) head and facial injuries can be prevented through use of a properly worn helmet. Given the evidence for the effectiveness of bicycle helmets, it is important to examine factors related to their use among children. The objective of this study was to examine neighbourhood sociocultural demographics and their association with observed helmet use among school-aged children riding in defined urban communities.
METHODS: Children were observed at fifty-five preselected sites in twenty defined neighbourhoods in Toronto, Ontario between June and September of 2005. Trained volunteer observers recorded information on helmet use. Neighbourhood level data was adapted from Statistics Canada, and socioeconomic and demographic variables for the year 2000-2001 were obtained for each of the twenty neighbourhoods included in the study. Logistic regression was preformed to examine the relationship between neighbourhood sociocultural demographics and helmet use.
RESULTS: Of the 306 riders, 174 children were observed riding without a helmet. Neighbourhood socio economic and demographic variables were significantly associated with observed helmet use. Helmet use was lowest among children observed riding in neighbourhoods with a high percent of fami lies with an incidence of low income; a high percent of the population aged fifteen and over with less than high school education; high percent of the population with no knowledge of English or French; and low childhood immunization rates.
CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study indicate that neighbourhood sociocultural demographics are significantly associated with observed helmet use among children. These results offer a unique opportunity to target specific neighbourhoods according to their sociocultural demographics for helmet-promotion programs and interventions.
Language: en |