Results of a Campaign for Motorcycle Helmets Advocacy in a City in Southwest of Iran; A Population-Based Intervention Study

Abstract

Objective:We conducted a triple phase project for motorcycle helmets advocacy in Darab, a city in southwest Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the project on decreasing the hazards of motorcycle accidents.Methods:Using a questionnaire, data for ICU admission rates, hospital costs for patients who required ICU admission, rate of helmet usage, mortality and the duration of ICU care for patients admitted to Darab hospital due to motorcycle accidents in Winter 2015 (before conducting the project) and Winter 2016 (after conducting the project) were gathered and compared. This feature was also separately done for patients younger than 17 years.Results:The rate of wearing helmets increased significantly in winter 2016 (from 3.4 % to 33%). Also ICU admission rate due to head trauma was significantly decreased after the project was done (from 14.5 % to 4%). However, hospital costs for patients required ICU admission were increased in winter 2016. This increase, though not significant, seems to be due to an increase in health service expenses in the year 2016 as compared with the year 2015. The mortality rate was not significantly changed between the two mentioned years results. For patients younger than 17 years, no ICU admissions were needed in winter 2016.Conclusion:Even a short period of intervention can have positive effects on increasing the safety of motorcycle drivers.

Health Promotion Interventions on Helmet Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pre-Test and Post-Test Studies

“…Overall, 12 eligible articles were included in the review. Of these, 2 were randomized controlled trials (RCT) ( 21 , 22 ), 4 were studies with an intervention and a control groups ( 8 , 23 – 25 ), one was quasi-experimental study ( 26 ), and five with pre and post-test design were included in the meta-analysis ( 27 – 31 ) ( Fig. 1 ).…”

“…Moreover, in Iran, casualties due to traffic accidents by vehicle type showed that among the total casualties, 34% were passengers, 25% were motorcyclists, and 24% were pedestrians. One-third of these people were in the age group of 18–24 yr ( 8 ). Head and neck injuries are the leading preventable cause of death for motorcyclists ( 9 ).…”

Prevention of childhood unintentional injuries in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review

“…Infrastructure enhancements designed to lower vehicle speeds and separate pedestrians from traffic Reduced incidence of RTI [50] Law enforcement (Enforcement) Additional sobriety checkpoints Increased awareness of road safety measures [41] Confiscation of motorcycle for riders not wearing helmets Decrease in hospital admissions, decrease in ICU admission due to head trauma (significant) increase in helmet use (significant), decreased mortality (not significant) (combined with other interventions) [37] Traffic Act that increased arrests and surveillance No changes in injury severity pre-and post-enforcement [46] Community awareness (Encouragement) Radio messages, banners and posters Decrease in hospital admissions, decrease in ICU admission due to head trauma (significant) increase in helmet use (significant), decreased mortality (not significant) (combined with other interventions) [37] Increase in level of knowledge [40].…”

“…(Engineering) Provision of motorcycle and bicycle helmets Decrease in hospital admissions, decrease in ICU admission due to head trauma (significant) increase in helmet use (significant), decreased mortality (not significant) (combined with other interventions) [37] Increased observed helmet use [33] Provision of child safety seats Increased self-reported use of child safety seats [45] Provision of reflector vests and motorcycle helmets Increase in RTIs perhaps due to changing climate conditions [56] Legislation (Enforcement) Zero blood-alcohol limit and higher penalties for drinking and driving Decrease in overall and pedestrian mortality [28] Law requiring helmets be worn on motorcycles Decrease in hospital admissions, decrease in ICU admission due to head trauma (significant) increase in helmet use (significant), decreased mortality (not significant) (combined with other interventions) [37] Child restraint legislation Reduction in the rate of child injuries [48] (Continued )…”

“…Pamphlets and videos for child safety seats Increase in knowledge and purchase of child safety seat [31] Lectures Decrease in incidence of bicycle injuries [42]; decrease in hospital admissions, decrease in ICU admission due to head trauma (significant) increase in helmet use (significant), decreased mortality (not significant) (combined with other interventions) [37] Increase in knowledge of drink driving risk; [32] change in knowledge about brain and spinal cord injuries but no change in attitudes toward prevention; [36] increased knowledge on helmet usage only; [38] no change in reported attitudes about injury prevention; [35] increase in knowledge and safety practices; [54] change in self-reported attitude; [41] decrease in self-reported drink driving; [30] reduced incidence of RTI; [50] change in risk perception [51] In-school training on the importance of helmets and proper fit Increase in observed helmet use [33] Promotional videos…”