Practice of Motorcycle Drivers on Helmet Use Based on Health Belief Model in Khomein City, 2010

Road accident injuries as significant public health challenges require concentration on effective and sustained preventive efforts. The aim of current study was to evaluate practice of motorcyclists on helmet use based on health belief model in Khomein city. In a cross-sectional study a convenience sample of 384 subjects was selected. Data were collected using a self designed questionnaire based on structure of a health belief model through interview. Perceived severity, perceived benefits and barriers, and their relationships with drivers’ practice were determined using statistical analysis. The average age of subjects was 28.96±8.50 years and 42% of drivers were single with the remaining being married. Significant differences were observed between average scores of practice, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers of married and single drivers (p<0.05). Average scores for perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers significantly correlated with practice scores (p<0.05). The barriers to helmet use were identified as sweating, interfering with hearing, expensiveness, heaviness, and visual limitation. 16.2% of subjects use helmets. 61.4, 22.7, and 15.9% of drivers believed that awareness and education, police fine, and police stopping are effective on helmet use, respectively. Planning and implementing of health education programs based on health belief model, properly designed helmets, and changes in police treatment may be effective on helmet use.