Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents/administration & dosage , Influenza A virus/classification , Influenza in Birds/virology , Influenza, Human/drug therapy , Oseltamivir/administration & dosage , Animals , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Chickens , China , Hospitalization , Humans , Influenza A virus/isolation & purification , Influenza, Human/physiopathology , Influenza, Human/virology , Length of Stay , Male , Middle Aged , Oseltamivir/therapeutic use , Treatment Outcome , ZoonosesABSTRACT
Motorcycle helmet wearing rates remain low in smaller cities in developing countries. We therefore examined the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of motorcyclists towards helmet use in two mid-sized cities in China. The methods included roadside observation and interview. Observational sites were randomly selected from main roads and secondary streets; all motorcycles passing by were observed. Riders near the sites were opportunistically approached and asked about knowledge of and perceptions about helmet use. Altogether, 75,949 drivers and 17,230 passengers were observed. A large proportion of both drivers and passengers (34% and 71%, respectively) did not wear a helmet, or did not have their helmet fastened (34% and 14%). Proper helmet usage rates were lower among male drivers, younger people, on secondary streets, and during the evenings and weekends. The majority of the 2325 drivers interviewed (90%) acknowledged the benefits of helmet wearing, but 72% reported that helmets are not always comfortable, and only 20% said they would wear a helmet for preventive purposes. Furthermore, many felt that police enforcement was not strict (62%). These results suggest that educational programs about helmet use in provincial China should emphasize the risks of improper use. Strict enforcement, especially on secondary roads and during non-peak hours, could also improve helmet usage.
Subject(s)
Developing Countries , Head Protective Devices/statistics & numerical data , Motorcycles , Adult , Age Factors , China , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Middle Aged , Odds Ratio , Sex Factors , Urban Population , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: In China, despite national motorcycle helmet legislation and the known safety benefits of helmets, helmet use remains low. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of motorcycle helmet use and attitudes towards helmet use among drivers and passengers in two cities in Southern China to provide baseline data and scientific evidence for the formulation of an intervention aimed at strengthening road safety law enforcement. METHODS: Observational sites were randomly selected from three road types (national roads, main streets, and subordinate streets). Observations were conducted during six specified time periods and uniform checklists were used to record helmet use. Motorcycle riders were randomly selected from service stations, elementary schools, and supermarket car parks to participate in a face-to-face interview to ascertain attitudes. RESULTS: Overall, the rate of correct helmet use among drivers was higher in Chaozhou (34.6%) than in Shantou (30.2%; P < 0.001). Correct helmet use was higher among drivers in main streets, during daytime hours, and during weekdays (P < 0.001). The level of helmet knowledge of motorcycle drivers was high with most reporting that helmets prevent or reduce head injury (Shantou: 78.2%; Chaozhou 70.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Although level of awareness of the benefits of helmets was high, observed helmet usage was low. These results suggest that there is a need to implement new interventions to increase helmet use.
