[Can physicians efficaciously promote the purchase of bicycle helmets?].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of physician intervention in the purchase of bicycle helmets.


METHODS
Randomized single-blind controlled trial; randomization by clusters.


METHODS
July 11, 1992, cycling path in Beauport, Quebec.


METHODS
Non-helmeted cyclists riding alone and groups of two to six cyclists in which at least one member was not wearing a helmet were invited to participate in the study; 274 individuals or groups of cyclists (total n = 485 cyclists) were randomized for the study.


METHODS
For the study group a physician handed out and explained the Canadian Medical Association's (CMA) pamphlet on bicycle helmets. This pamphlet includes a discount coupon for the purchase of a helmet. All of the participants in both the study group and the control group completed a questionnaire, including queries about sociodemographic characteristics, name, and telephone number.


METHODS
Proportion of previously non-helmeted cyclists purchasing a helmet within 2 to 3 weeks of the intervention.


RESULTS
Telephone contact was made with 340 of the 416 non-helmeted cyclists (from 224 groups of cyclists). Of the 174 cyclists who had received a CMA pamphlet, 13.8% (n = 24) had purchased a helmet, compared to 3.0% (n = 5) of the 166 control group cyclists (RR = 4.6, 95% CL = 1.8-11.7). Similar results were achieved by cluster analysis of cyclists.


CONCLUSIONS
Physician intervention using the CMA pamphlet could be effective in promoting the purchase of bicycle helmets.
Labrecque
M
M
Département de médecine familiale de l'Université Laval, Québec.
Dostaler
L P
LP
Houde
A
A
Boissonneault
J
J
Grimard
M
M
Paradis
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling / Q000293:injuries*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010174:Pamphlets; D010819:Physician's Role; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control
Les médecins, peuvent-ils efficacement promouvoir l'achat de casques de vélo?