Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Community Medicine, East Point College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre
2 Intern, BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Abstract
CONTEXT: Wearing helmet during road traffic accidents among motorcycle riders decreases the
likelihood of death by 39%. The theory of planned behavior (TPB), a psychological model helps to
explain the failure in helmet usage, by assuming a causal chain. The current study was taken up
as no studies have elicited the determinants of helmet usage in terms of TPB among health‑care
providers, the role models for healthful behavior by virtue of their profession in the current urban
Indian context.
AIMS: The aims of the study were (1) to determine the proportion of proper use of helmets
and (2) to identify TPB‑related factors and other factors influencing the use of helmets.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 147 students and
staff of a tertiary health‑care center, Bengaluru, using a pretested, validated, semi‑structured,
self‑administered questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used. Hierarchical regression model
was used to explain variation in the scores of helmet‑use behavior on the basis of TPB variables.
P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
RESULTS: About 65% of respondents practiced “proper use” of helmets. Intention, perceived
behavioral control (direct), and attitude (indirect) were significant predictors of helmet use (P < 0.05).
Mean scores of knowledge on helmet use and behavior showed positive correlation (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Application of TPB in urban Indian context was successful in identifying precursors
of helmet use. This study throws a light on the strong influencers of helmet use which can assist policy
developers in developing effective programs to successfully promote the “proper use” of helmets.
Keywords
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