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Abstract
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OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the incorrect use of a helmet retention system (loose or open) and how often this happens.
METHODS: This was an observational transversal study conducted in Curitiba, Brazil. Trained observers positioned at traffic lights collected information about the helmet fixation mode, the helmet model (full-face, open-face, modular, half) and the helmet retention system model (micrometric, double-D, fast-release). Additional data including the position on motorcycle, gender and function of the motorcycle (as a work vehicle) were collected. The observers, collection site and periods were randomly selected by lots.
RESULTS: From a total of 3050 motorcyclists, 1807 (59.2%) had their helmets fastened correctly, 907 (29.7%) had the retention system fastened loosely, and in 336 (11.0%), the retention system was completely open. Increased odds of incorrect use were observed for the fast-release and double-D buckles compared to the micrometrics buckles, with a fixed odds ratio (OR) of 4.62 (95% CI 3.89 - 5.51) and 3.54 (95% CI 2.46- 5.09), respectively (p<0.0001). Full-face helmets had a higher chance of incorrect use (p<0.0001), and passengers had a higher incidence of incorrect use of the helmet than drivers (p<0.0001).
CONCLUSION: An important risk factor related to the incorrect use of the helmet was the type of the retention system. The helmet model and being a passenger had a secondary influence in the incorrect use of the helmet.
Language: en |