title: Factors associated with the use of motorcycle helmets in two Colombian cities.
abstract: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and some characteristics associated with the use of motorcycle helmets in two Colombian cities. The researcher used quantitative and qualitative techniques. The prevalence of the use of a motorcycle helmet among motorcyclists was greater in Ibague (98.1%) than in Valledupar (82.4%); among passengers in the city of Valledupar, it did not reach 2%. Men were 2.1 times more likely to wear helmets than women (IC 95:1.6-2.7). Using qualitative techniques, the factors explaining the reasons for use/non-use of helmets (being hygienic, climatic, esthetic and safety reasons) were identified for Valledupar. The use of the helmet is a protective measure in the event of traffic accidents; however, the prevalence of usage is not ideal. It is important for traffic and health authorities as well as the civil society to organize, in order to design and implement measures aimed at strengthening the use of this road safety gear.
authors.affiliation: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogotá. Calle 7 No. 40/9°, Quinto Piso, Instituto de Salud Pública. Bogotá Colombia.
authors.forename: Jorge Martín Rodríguez
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hernández
authors.affiliation: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogotá. Calle 7 No. 40/9°, Quinto Piso, Instituto de Salud Pública. Bogotá Colombia.
authors.forename: Fredy Armindo Camelo
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Tovar
authors.affiliation: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogotá. Calle 7 No. 40/9°, Quinto Piso, Instituto de Salud Pública. Bogotá Colombia.
authors.forename: Liany Katerine Ariza
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Ruiz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002947:Cities; D003105:Colombia; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009049:Motorcycles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult