Prevalence of helmet use among motorcycle users in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Kauky, Cosmas George; Kishimba, Rogath; Urio, Loveness; Abade, Ahmed; Mghamba, Janneth · 2015 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2015.20.438.5659

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Summary

This study addresses the critical public health issue of road traffic injuries in Tanzania, specifically focusing on the prevalence of helmet use among motorcycle users in Dar es Salaam. Motivated by a fivefold rise in traffic-related fatalities over the previous decade and the high proportion of severe injuries associated with motorcycle accidents, the research aimed to determine current helmet usage rates for both drivers and passengers. The study sought to fill a gap in existing literature, which had largely relied on interviews with commercial riders or hospital-based casualty data, by providing observational data on the general population. The researchers conducted a cross-sectional observational survey across three districts in Dar es Salaam: Kinondoni, Ilala, and Temeke. Data collection occurred at six major road junctions with high traffic flow during peak hours on one weekday and one weekend day. Investigators worked in pairs, using standardized checklists to record the sex of drivers and passengers, helmet usage status, and the number of passengers per motorcycle. Observations were timed during morning, noon, and evening rush hours on weekdays, and late morning and evening on weekends. A total of 7,678 drivers and 4,328 passengers were observed. Data were analyzed using Epi Info 3.5.1 to calculate prevalence rates, with sample size calculations adjusted for design effects and potential double counting. The results revealed a stark disparity in helmet usage between drivers and passengers. The prevalence of helmet use among motorcycle drivers was 82.1%, whereas only 22.5% of passengers wore helmets. The driver population was predominantly male (98.8%), while 73.2% of passengers were also male. Helmet usage rates remained relatively consistent across weekdays and weekends, as well as across different times of day. For instance, 83% of drivers wore helmets in the morning, compared to 77.5% of passengers who did not wear helmets during the same period. The study noted that the majority of motorcycles carried only one passenger. The authors conclude that while driver helmet compliance is relatively high, passenger protection remains critically low. This discrepancy is attributed to a lack of awareness among passengers regarding legal requirements and inconsistent enforcement by traffic police, who primarily target drivers. The findings suggest that current safety measures are insufficient for passengers. The study recommends increased community awareness campaigns, sustained enforcement of road safety laws for all motorcycle occupants, and ensuring the availability of affordable, standard helmets. These interventions are deemed necessary to reduce the burden of road traffic injuries in Tanzania.

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• helmet protective

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence