ABSTRACT
A cross sectional study was undertaken in order to determine the crash helmet use behaviors and factors related to such behaviors among motorcyclists and their passengers in Thailand. 3,275 subjects were selected by a multi-stage sampling technique, consisting of 2,403 motorcyclists and 872 passengers. Data were obtained through the well-developed questionnaire. Analysis of data included descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics Chi-square test. Most subjects were male (62.7%), aged between 15-30 years (58.4%), married (50.1%), finished high school to undergraduate degree (43.6%), employee (37.3%), and had income of 2,001-5,000 baht (37.3%). The knowledge and attitude scores on helmet use and law were in the low level and middle level. The behavioral score was also low. Statistically significant factors attributable to such behavior included age, marital status, education, occupation, motorcycle driver for public passengers, distance of driving, knowledge and attitude towards crash helmet use and law, information on crash helmet law and the experience on motorcycle accident. Although most motorcyclists and their passengers had positive attitude towards the helmet they used them improperly. The law enforcement should be used together with all kids of health education and campaign on awareness of safety drive and properly use of the crash helmet.