Helmet Wearing Behavior Where People Often Ride Motorcycle in Ethiopia: a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Road traffic accidents are a major global concern which affects all people regardless of their age, sex, wealth, among others. Injuries and deaths due to motorcycle are highly increasing, especially in developing countries. Wearing helmet has been shown to significantly reduce deaths and injuries due to motorcycle accidents.Objectives: To assess magnitude of helmet wearing and its determinants among motorcycle riders in Sawula and Bulky towns, Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: 422 motorcycle drivers were sampled in a cross-sectional study conducted from 15, April to 25, May, 2020 in Sawula and Bulky towns, where people often drive motorcycle. Stratified sampling technique was used to recruit the sampled drivers in a face to face interview. Data were entered into EPI-data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 to manage analysis. Descriptive analyses like frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were carried out as necessary. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify the predictors of helmet wearing. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to determine the presence and strength of association.Results: A total of 403 motorcycle drivers participated in the study which gives a 95.5% response rate. Of the total of 403 motorcycle riders, only 12.4% (95% CI, 9.2 to 15.6%) of them wore a helmet while driving a motorcycle. Having license [AOR 3.51(95% C.I 1.56-7.89)], driving strips >10Km [AOR 2.53(95% C.I 1.08-5.91)], History of accident[AOR 2.71(95% C.I 1.32-5.55)], driving experience of >=10 years[AOR 2.98 (95% C.I 1.25-7.09)] and high perceived susceptibility to accident [AOR 3.10(95% C.I 1.29-7.46)] had statistically significant association with helmet wearing comparted to their counterpart.Conclusion: This study highlighted that helmet wearing was very low. Having a license, driving strips, exposure to accident, driving experience, and accident risk perception were determinants of helmet wearing. These determinants imply that helmet wearing was directly or indirectly relies on motorcycle drivers’ knowledge and perceptions about accident and helmet wearing. Therefore, we advise all stakeholders to conduct awareness creation campaigns and give focus on mandatory helmet wearing.