Factors associated with the use of motorcycle helmets in two Colombian cities. / Factores asociados al uso del casco de protección en dos ciudades de Colombia.

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.

Factores asociados al uso del casco de protección en dos ciudades de Colombia / Factors associated with the use of motorcycle helmets in two Colombian cities

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la prevalencia y algunas características asociadas al uso de casco en dos ciudades en Colombia; se usaron tanto técnicas cuantitativas como cualitativas. La prevalencia de uso de casco en conductores de motocicleta fue mayor en Ibagué (98,1%) que en Valledupar (82,4%); en pasajeros de Valledupar no fue superior a 2%. Los hombres tuvieron 2.1 veces más posibilidad de usar el casco que las mujeres (IC 95: 1,6-2,7). Con las técnicas cualitativas se identificaron factores que explicaron los motivos de uso/no uso del casco (higiénicas, climáticas, estéticas y de seguridad) en Valledupar. El casco es una medida que protege ante un siniestro vial; no obstante, la prevalencia de uso no es la ideal. Es importante que las autoridades de tránsito, salud y la sociedad civil se organicen para diseñar y aplicar medidas orientadas para fortalecer el uso de este elemento de protección personal.

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.