Helmet use and associated factors among commercial motorcycle riders (boda boda): case study Kampala district

Abstract

This report presents findings on the study conducted about helmet use and the associated factors among commercial motorcycle riders in Kampala district, Uganda. Globally, deaths and injuries from road crashes are a major and growing public health problem. Motorcycle related injuries, mainly head injuries, and related death and disabilities are a significant contributor to the burden of disease in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Helmets have been proven to be an efficient way to reduce the risk of head injury. As motorcycle use continually increases in Kampala, head injuries and related deaths and disabilities are expected to rise. This study aimed at giving insight that can be a basis of educating the public and especially boda boda motorcyclists on the need to put on helmets in order to be able to reduce the number of head injuries among commercial motorcyclist users. The objectives of the study were to establish use and prevalence of helmet use among commercial motorcycle riders in Kampala district, and further assess their knowledge, experiences and attitudes towards helmet use as well as finding out the law enforcement strategies in place in relation to helmet use. A cross sectional study was conducted among 254 commercial motorcycle riders in Kampala district who were selected using a systematic random sampling technique from June – august 2014. Face to face interviews were performed using a pre-tested structured interviewer administered questionnaire, while observation was conducted using an observational checklist that where designed by the researcher. Data was analyzed using Epi-info version 7.0. All the commercial motorcycle riders were males, with the majority within the age range 30-39 years. Seventy seven percent of the commercial motorcycle riders were married and 53.7% were primary drop outs. All commercial motorcyclists were aware of the protective devices used in the commercial motorcycling business with a significant proportion (98.5%) mentioning a crash helmet as the most known. About 86.6% of the commercial motorcyclists possessed crash helmets while 91.0% of commercial motorcyclist reported to wear crash helmets. However a paradox appeared to exist with the observation checklist results were only 62.0% motorcyclists were observed wearing crash helmets. Furthermore, a greater number (86.0%) of the commercial v motorcyclists had a positive attitude towards helmet use with the majority (61.2%) reporting that they feel good while riding with a helmet. Working experience was strongly associated with helmet wearing [O.R=4.6, P =0.02]. it was also found out that work experience was significantly associated with possession of helmets [O.R=5.3, P=0.005]. The major problem identified was the lack of knowledge regarding the legal aspects of helmet regulations. These findings indicate that despite the inconsistent helmet wearing, commercial motorcyclists had positive knowledge and attitude towards helmet use. Meaning that there is an association between attitudes, knowledge and helmet use. Also boda boda riders where aware of the existence of the helmet law. However the major problem identified was that majority lacked knowledge regarding the legal aspects of helmet regulations. This conclusion is attributed to lack of involvement of all stake holders in policy formulation and dissemination. There is a need to involve all appropriate community stake holders in policy formulations. Policy disseminators including health promoters should be out meeting with the respective stakeholder including use of social media like radio /television and mobile phone information packages in the local district language. There is also a need for regular enlightenment campaigns to foster knowledge and positive attitude towards helmet use. Ensuring formal training and enforcement on the use of safety protective devices by the relevant key authorities like KCCA is necessary in order to reduce the high prevalence of accidents and injuries among commercial motorcycle riders.