Riding a bicycle... With or without a helmet: perceptions and attitudes concerning helmet use among Figueira da Foz young people (2014-2016)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14195/1647-7723_31-2_9Keywords:
Accidents, bicycle, helmet, traumatic brain injuryAbstract
Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and serious disability in bicycle accidents. We developed a study to examine local patterns of bicycle helmet use among young people in Figueira da Foz. We conducted a survey in which a questionnaire was applied to a sample of 1089 cyclists who were pupils in the Figueira da Foz Municipal District Schools. The questionnaire was designed to measure motivations relating to helmet ownership and use when riding a bicycle. In order to determine independent determinants, adjusted odds ratios were calculated by logistic regression analysis. Twenty-seven per cent of the cyclists were found to have experienced at least one accident along with traumatic brain injury, with the risk being higher in boys (aOR: 1.9; CI:95 %:1,5-2,6; p<0,05). Ninety per cent of the accidents did not involve a motor-vehicle, only the cyclist; they were caused by the cyclist losing control or hitting obstacles. Helmet use is determined according to literacy (OR: 2.5; CI:95 %:1,6-3,6; p<0,05), 5th and 8th school grade (OR: 3.6; CI:95 %:2,3-5,7; p<0,05 and a OR: 1.9; CI:95 %:1,3-2,7; p<0,05, respectively), and recreational cycling (OR: 2.8; CI:95 %:1,3-5,9; p<0,05). Most cyclists are not proactive, which is borne out by 77 % considering the helmet the most important equipment, while only 28 % use it frequently. Age is one of the most significant individual factors associated with helmet use. School-based programmes might increase its use among children. The helmet is an individual protection that should be encouraged.
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