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The use of non-standard motorcycle helmets in low- and middle-income countries: a multicentre study

Ackaah, W., Afukaar, F, Agyemang, W., Thuy Anh, T., Hejar, A. R., Abdul, G., Gururaj, G., Elisa, H.-S., Martha, H., Hyder, A. A., Inclan-Valadez, C., Kulanthayan, S., Norton, R., Odero, W., Owoaje, E. T., Peden, M., Rajam, K., Abdul Razzak, J., Oluwafunmilola Sangowawa, A., Shah, J., Le Tuan, P., Radin Umar, R., Thi Van Anh, N., Van der Putten, M., Vajanapoom, N., Vichit-Vadakan, N., Yellappan, K. and Yu, J. (2013) The use of non-standard motorcycle helmets in low- and middle-income countries: a multicentre study. Injury Prevention, 19 (3). pp. 158-163. ISSN 1353-8047

Full text not available from this repository.
Identification Number: 10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040348

Abstract

Background The use of non-standard motorcycle helmets has the potential to undermine multinational efforts aimed at reducing the burden of road traffic injuries associated with motorcycle crashes. However, little is known about the prevalence or factors associated with their use. Methods Collaborating institutions in nine low- and middle-income countries undertook cross-sectional surveys, markets surveys, and reviewed legislation and enforcement practices around non-standard helmets. Findings 5563 helmet-wearing motorcyclists were observed; 54% of the helmets did not appear to have a marker/sticker indicating that the helmet met required standards and interviewers judged that 49% of the helmets were likely to be non-standard helmets. 5088 (91%) of the motorcyclists agreed to be interviewed; those who had spent less than US$10 on their helmet were found to be at the greatest risk of wearing a non-standard helmet. Data were collected across 126 different retail outlets; across all countries, regardless of outlet type, standard helmets were generally 2–3 times more expensive than non-standard helmets. While seven of the nine countries had legislation prohibiting the use of non-standard helmets, only four had legislation prohibiting their manufacture or sale and only three had legislation prohibiting their import. Enforcement of any legislation appeared to be minimal. Interpretation Our findings suggest that the widespread use of non-standard helmets in low- and middle-income countries may limit the potential gains of helmet use programmes. Strategies aimed at reducing the costs of standard helmets, combined with both legislation and enforcement, will be required to maximise the effects of existing campaigns.

Item Type: Article
Official URL: http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/
Additional Information: © 2012 Elsevier B.V.
Divisions: LSE Cities
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Date Deposited: 20 Nov 2012 16:13
Last Modified: 04 Apr 2024 16:24
Funders: Road Traffic Injuries Research Network, WHO's Department of Violence, Injury Prevention and Disability
URI: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/47463

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