title: Prevalence and predictors of bicycle helmet use in a southeastern, US city.
abstract: Fatalities and head injuries from bicycle-related crashes remain a concern in the United States. Despite legislation in many states, helmet use remains low. This observational study examined the helmet use and related factors in a North Carolina city. The sample consisted of 2088 observations of bicyclists. The objectives were to (1) determine helmet use; (2) describe other safe bicycling practices; and (3) examine the relationship of demographic variables and safe riding practices with helmet use. Helmet use was observed for 25% of the sample. Demographic factors related to helmet use were being female (OR = 1.32), 26 years old or older (OR = 4.94), and White (OR = 2.17). Bicyclists riding on the road with traffic were more likely to wear a helmet than bicyclists riding on the sidewalk (OR = 2.04). Findings indicate that helmet use remains low in the city. Research to monitor, better understand, and promote helmet use is needed.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Kinesiology and Health Education , Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville , Edwardsville , IL , United States.
authors.forename: Michelle L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Cathorall
authors.affiliation: b Department of Public Health Education , University of North Carolina at Greensboro , Greensboro , NC , United States.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.affiliation: b Department of Public Health Education , University of North Carolina at Greensboro , Greensboro , NC , United States.
authors.forename: Deirdre A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Dingman
authors.affiliation: c Jefferson College of Health Sciences , Roanake , VA , United States.
authors.forename: Kyle
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pelligra
authors.affiliation: d North Carolina Central University , Raleigh , NC , United States.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keyworth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009657:North Carolina; D015995:Prevalence
keywords: United States; bicycle; helmets; injury prevention