Practice, Awareness and Attitude of Helmet Use and Associated Factors among Motorcycle Riders in Yirgalem, Ethiopia.

Introduction: In low-income and middle-income countries, car ownership and use rates are generally much lower than in high-income countries. However, the ownership and use of motorcycles and other two-wheelers is generally relatively high and users of two-wheelers make up a large proportion of those injured or killed on the roads. Motorcycle and bicycle riders are at an increased risk of being involved in a crash. Lack of physical protection makes them particularly vulnerable to being injured if they are involved in a collision. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess awareness and attitude of helmet use among motorcycle riders in Yirgalem town. Objectives: This study was aimed at assessing the awareness and attitude of helmet use and associated factors among motorcycle riders in Yirgalem town, Ethiopia, 2019 GC. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among motorcycle riders in Yirgalem, southern Ethiopia from Nov 1 to 20, 2019 GC. Convenience sampling method was used to identify the subjects of the study. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and then the data was compiled and analyzed by SPSS 20 computer software. Descriptive analysis was conducted and data were presented using tables and figures. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with outcome variables. Result: About 79.9% of the riders involved in our study have good awareness about the use of helmet during motorcycle riding. About 55% of the riders have good attitude towards helmet wearing while driving. Commercial motorcyclists have more positive attitude towards helmet use than non-commercial motorcycle riders. People in age group 37-47 have negative attitude towards helmet wearing than other age groups. Conclusion: Most motorcycle riders in Yirgalem are male, educated and young people who have good knowledge about helmet use and have positive attitude towards helmet use compared to negative attitude, however, helmet wearing is not consistent among motorcycle riders in Yirgalem. The town transport and road office as well as other stake holders should give motorcycle riders skilled training and education. The traffic police officers should also be strict on motorcycle riders not wearing helmet in order to properly implement the helmet laws. Policy makers should also ensure that feasible and good quality helmets are available and accessible in market for user.