PREVALENCE RATE AND REASONS FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OF HELMET USE AMONG MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN KUMASI, GHANA

This study investigated the prevalence rate and identified the associated factors influencing helmet use in Kumasi, Ghana. The data used in this study were collected from motorcycle riders in the Kumasi metropolis through questionnaire survey. The contributing factors influencing helmet use were determined using a logistic regression model. The results show that the rate of helmet use was about 47% and the influential factors include rider’s gender, marital status, educational attainment, ownership of a helmet, and motorcycle license. The most important reasons influencing noncompliance with helmet use as reported by the riders include dis-comfort, distance travelled, not owning a helmet, and forgetfulness. The findings highlight the need for policymakers to set up policy guidelines to enforce compliance with helmet use. For instance, any effort seeking to increase helmet use may first have to deal with helmet ownership, which also relates to the cost of helmet. In addition, helmet producers should conform to high quality standards in order to avoid discomfort while wearing a helmet.