Using baseline and formative evaluation data to inform the Uganda Helmet Vaccine Initiative.
Motorcycles are an important form of transportation in Uganda, and are involved in more road traffic injuries than any other vehicle. The majority of motorcycles in Uganda are used as motorcycle taxis, better known locally as boda bodas. Research shows that a motorcycle helmet is effective at reducing a rider's risk of death and head injury. As part of the Uganda Helmet Vaccine Initiative (UHVI), researchers collected baseline and formative evaluation data on boda boda operators' helmet attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to inform UHVI activities. Researchers collected data on motorcycle helmet-related attitudes and beliefs through focus group discussions and structured roadside interviews, and researchers conducted roadside observations to collect data on helmet-wearing behaviors. Of the 12,189 motorcycle operators and passengers observed during roadside observations, 30.8% of drivers and <1% of passengers were wearing helmets. The most commonly reported helmet-wearing barriers from the focus group discussions and structured roadside interviews were: (1) 'Helmet is uncomfortable', (2) 'Helmet is too hot', (3) 'Helmet is too expensive', and (4) 'Helmet is of low quality'. Researchers incorporated findings from the formative research into the UHVI campaign to increase motorcycle helmet use. Radio messages addressing helmet comfort and cost were widely aired throughout Kampala, Uganda. In addition, campaign staff held nine boda boda operator workshops, covering approximately 900 operators, in which the facilitator addressed barriers and facilitators to helmet use. Each workshop participant received a high-quality tropical motorcycle helmet. UHVI will continue to use a data-driven approach to future campaign activities.
1.Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Douglas R
DR
Roehler
Rebecca B
RB
Naumann
Boniface
B
Mutatina
Mable
M
Nakitto
Barbara
B
Mwanje
Lotte
L
Brondum
Claire
C
Blanchard
Grant T
GT
Baldwin
Ann M
AM
Dellinger
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017144:Focus Groups; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009049:Motorcycles / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019370:Observation; D014186:Transportation / Q000379:methods; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology; D000078329:Workforce
health behavior; health promotion; injury prevention; motorcycle