Factors Associated with Injuries among Commercial Motorcyclists: Evidence from a Matched Case Control Study in Kampala City, Uganda

Tumwesigye, Nazarius Mbona; Atuyambe, Lynn; Kobusingye, Olive · 2016 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148511

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Summary

This study investigates the factors associated with road traffic injuries among commercial motorcyclists, known as "boda-boda" riders, in Kampala, Uganda. The research was motivated by the high burden of road traffic injuries in low- and middle-income countries, where motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. In Uganda, boda-boda crashes account for 41% of all road traffic injuries, imposing a significant economic and health burden. Despite this prevalence, there was a lack of data identifying specific predisposing factors for these injuries within the Ugandan context. The study aimed to establish these risk factors to inform interventions and improve safety for this critical transport sector. The researchers conducted a matched case-control study involving 289 injured riders (cases) and 289 uninjured riders (controls). Cases were recruited from five major hospitals in Kampala, while controls were selected from the same roadside parking stages ("stages") from which the cases operated, ensuring matching by location. Data were collected over seven months using structured face-to-face interviews. The study examined various exposure and confounding variables, including demographic characteristics, alcohol consumption, riding experience, motorcycle specifications, and knowledge of traffic rules. Conditional logistic regression was employed to analyze the data, adjusting for potential confounders to identify independent risk factors. The results identified several factors independently associated with an increased risk of injury. Significant risk factors included younger age, current alcohol consumption (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.30), lower engine capacity motorcycles (<100cc) (OR = 5.03), less than three years of riding experience, not changing motorcycles in the past year (OR = 2.04), riding for longer durations in a day (OR = 6.05), and sharing a motorcycle (OR = 8.25). Additionally, lower levels of knowledge regarding traffic rules, being stopped by police for checks, and working late were associated with injury. The study also noted that higher income earners had significantly higher odds of injury in crude analyses, though this was not highlighted as an independent factor in the final multivariable model. The findings underscore the need for targeted road safety interventions in Uganda. The authors recommend increased sensitization campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of sharing motorcycles, excessive riding hours, and alcohol consumption. They also advocate for stricter police enforcement of drink-driving laws specifically for commercial motorcyclists. Furthermore, the study suggests investigating the validity of motorcycle riding licenses and testing the competency of riders licensed in the previous three years. These measures aim to reduce the high incidence of injuries among boda-boda riders, addressing a major public health challenge in rapidly motorizing regions.

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• motorcyclist skill