Prediction of helmet use behavior among motorcyclists based on Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

Background: Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) are one of the most important health problems that endanger human health. Head and neck injuries are the main causes of death and disabilities among motorcyclists. This study aims to investigate the predictive factors of helmet use behavior among motorcyclists based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).

Study design: A cross-sectional study

Methods: This study was conducted among 730 motorcyclist employees of Qom city, Iran in 2021 whom were recruited randomly. The data collection tool was a self-administered researcher-made questionnaire including questions on demographic charachteristics, history of RTIs and constructs of TPB. .Descriptive summary statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling (SEM) technique were used to analyze the data.

Results: In this study, only 15% of the participants reported that they always used a helmet while riding a motorcycle.Sixty percent of the participants reported a history of motorcycle crash, of which about 11.5% had head injuries and 34% were hospitalized for treatment. The direct effect of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on the intention to use a helmet were statistically significant, explaining 59% of the variation of behavioral intention (intention to use a helmet) (P<0.05; R² = 0.59). Also, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention had significant effects on helmet use (P<0.05; R² = 0.26).

Conclusion: The prevalence of helmet use among the studied population was very low. Moreover, TPB is useful in identifying the determinants of behavior and especially behavioral intention of helmet use among motorcyclists. .