Abstract:

OBJECTIVE  -To determine the attitude and behaviour of users of motorcycle towards the use of crash helmet in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

STUDY DESIGN -this is a cross-sectional study design that made use of quantitative survey method involving data collection and analysis.

PARTICIPANTS -283 voluntary adults who were randomly recruited within Ado-Ekiti metropolis.

METHOD -a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to participants who also consented to the survey. A cross-sectional study was employed in this research to enable any desired data to be collected at one point in time.

RESULTS – There were 283 returned and analyzable questionnaires out of 321 questionnaires administered. The modal age group was 21-30 years (42%). There were more males, 209 (73.9%), than females, 74(26.1%). Majority of the respondents were single (55.1%).This was followed by respondents who were married (41.0%). A total number of 16(5.7%) respondents only had primary education, 126(44.5%) secondary education, 113(39.9%) tertiary, while 28(9.9%) had no formal education. Students, 92(32.5%), were the majority of the respondents. Two hundred and forty respondents (84.8%) believed that it is necessary to use crash helmet, while 43(15.2%) did not believe that it is necessary. The frequency of self-reported helmet use was 171(60.4%), while 112(39.6%) had never used helmet. Seventy percent of respondents believed that helmet use should be made compulsory for users of motorcycle. Various reasons for non use of helmet include too heavy 99(35.0%), fear of contracting disease 93(32.9%), not protective 24(8.5%), and other reasons not included in the options 6.7(23.7%).

CONCLUSIONS – This study highlighted that a far greater number of respondents believed that the use of crash helmet is necessary for safety and should be made compulsory. Nevertheless, the discomfort which is associated with wearing a crash helmet and perceived risk of contracting infection from helmet usage were the main negative factors militating against helmet usage. 

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