Motorcycle Helmet Use in Mar del Plata, Argentina: Prevalence and Associated Factors

LEDESMA, RUBÉN DANIEL; LÓPEZ, SOLEDAD SUSANA; TOSI, JEREMÍAS DAVID; POÓ, FERNANDO MARTÍN

International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion

TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2015 vol. 22 p. 172 - 176

1745-7300

Injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes constitute a growing problem in Argentina and other Latin American countries. The problem is aggravated because helmet use is not widespread. This observational study analyzed the prevalence of helmet use and related factors in a city in Argentina. The sample consisted of 2542 observations of motorcyclists. The results show an incidence of helmet use of 69.8% for drives and 43.4% for passengers. Helmet use was greater among women. Environmental and temporal conditions were related with the rate of helmet use. The findings indicate a considerable increase in helmet use with respect to prior years, providing evidence in favor of government policies. However, the number of motorcycles in circulation has tripled in the past five years and therefore the public health impact of injuries due to motorcycle crashes persists.