title: Prediction of helmet use among Iranian motorcycle drivers: an application of the health belief model and the theory of planned behavior.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of self-reported motorcycle helmet use in a sample of motorcycle riders in Bandar Abbas, Iran. The theory of planed behavior and the health belief model served as the conceptual framework for the study.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 221 male motorcycle drivers participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire, including demographic characteristics and items related to both the theory of planned behavior and the health belief model constructs, was used to collect data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of the subjects was 26.8 years (SD = 7.2). Multiple regression analyses revealed that perceived behavioral control significantly predicted the intention to use a motorcycle helmet (R(2)= 0.47, F = 19.5, p < .001); also, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention significantly predicted motorcycle helmet use (R(2)= 0.49, F = 51.7, p < .001). Moreover, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action significantly predicted motorcycle helmet use (R(2)= 0.35, F = 19.5, p < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study concluded that motorcycle drivers who perceived a high level of behavioral control, intention to use a motorcycle helmet, few barriers, high self-efficacy, and a high number of cues to action were the most likely to use a motorcycle helmet.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, School of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
authors.forename: Teamur
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aghamolaei
authors.forename: Sedigheh Sadat
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Tavafian
authors.forename: Abdoulhossain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Madani
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003463:Cues; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009049:Motorcycles; D011582:Psychological Theory; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult