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Amanor WK, Awere E, Manso I, Opoku-Antwi E. Assessing the prevailing driver seatbelt compliance at Madina Zongo junction in Accra, Ghana: An observational study. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2024; 25:795-801. [PMID: 38713638 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2024.2348030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the prevailing driver seatbelt compliance at the Madina Zongo junction in Accra, Ghana. METHODS An unobtrusive observational survey was conducted from 6 to 8 am and 5 to 7 pm on weekdays at randomly designated locations near the junction. A total of 3,054 vehicles were observed throughout the observation period. The data collected were analyzed with SPSS version 26. Cross-tabulations and Pearson's Chi-square test were employed for thorough analysis. RESULTS The study revealed an overall seatbelt compliance rate of slightly over half (54.1%) among drivers, with the following breakdowns in various vehicle categories: large buses (76.2%), medium buses (98.1%), minibuses (44.0%), private cars (70.5%), taxi/uber (53.0%), and trucks (41.1%). Notably, seatbelt compliance was higher among females at 98.4%, compared to males at 49.2%. The study also identified a correlation between driver's gender and vehicle type with seatbelt compliance. Conversely, no significant association was found between seatbelt compliance and either the time of day or day of the week. CONCLUSIONS The study offers significant findings regarding seatbelt usage trends at the Madina Zongo junction in Accra. These insights provide a basis for recommending targeted interventions such as policy decisions, public health campaigns, communication strategies, better enforcement, and road safety training programs. These interventions aim to raise awareness of unsafe attitudes and behaviors among drivers to improve seatbelt compliance and ultimately enhance road safety for all road users.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Kwaasi Amanor
- Department of Civil Engineering, Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Regional Transport Research and Education Centre Kumasi, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eric Awere
- Department of Civil Engineering, Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Israel Manso
- Regional Transport Research and Education Centre Kumasi, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Elijah Opoku-Antwi
- Regional Transport Research and Education Centre Kumasi, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Civil Engineering, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Ghana
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Kargar S, Ansari-Moghaddam A, Ansari H. The prevalence of seat belt use among drivers and passengers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2023; 98:14. [PMID: 37528241 PMCID: PMC10393920 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-023-00139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seat belts might save people's lives in car accidents by preventing severe collision damage and keeping passengers safe from critical injuries. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the prevalence of seat belt use among drivers and passengers. METHODS The databases of PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), and Google Scholar were searched from the beginning of 2000 to late December 2020 to identify studies that investigated the prevalence of seat belt use among drivers and passengers. The pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects model. The STATA-v14 software was used to perform data analysis. RESULTS Sixty-eight studies that met the inclusion criteria and were suitable for this meta-analysis were identified. The pooled prevalence of seat belt use was 43.94% (95% CI: 42.23-45.73) among drivers, 38.47% (95% CI: 34.89-42.42) among front-seat passengers, and 15.32% (95% CI: 12.33-19.03) among rear-seat passengers. The lowest seat belt use among drivers and passengers was observed in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, while the highest use was reported in Europe and America. Moreover, the prevalence of seat belt use was higher among women drivers [51.47% (95% CI: 48.62-54.48)] than men drivers [38.27% (95% CI: 34.98-41.87)] (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the highest prevalence of seat belt use was seen among drivers (68.9%) and front-seat passengers (50.5%) of sports utility vehicles (SUVs); in contrast, the lowest prevalence was observed among drivers and passengers of public vehicles such as buses, minibuses, and taxis. CONCLUSIONS In general, the prevalence of seat belt use was not high among drivers and was even lower among passengers. Moreover, drivers and passengers in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa had the lowest prevalence of seat belt usage. Additionally, drivers and passengers of public transportation (buses, minibuses, and taxis) had a lower rate of seat belt use, especially among men. Therefore, effective interventional programs to improve seat belt use should be designed and implemented, particularly among these at-risk populations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Kargar
- Health Promotion Research Centre, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Ansari
- Health Promotion Research Centre, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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Okyere P, Agyei-Baffour P, Harris MJ, Mock C, Yankson IK, Donkor P, Owusu-Dabo E. Seatbelt use among bus passengers in Ghana: observed versus self-reported measures. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2022; 29:394-398. [PMID: 35389822 PMCID: PMC9444902 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2022.2056617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Many road traffic injuries in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are to bus passengers. We sought to determine the availability, functionality, and observed vs. self-reported use of seatbelts in large intercity buses in Ghana. We observed seatbelt use for 1,184 passengers in 35 large intercity buses. We interviewed a separate group of 633 bus passengers. All buses observed had seatbelts and most (92.6%) were functional. A little over a fifth (21.6%) of passengers were observed to wear seatbelts. However, 34.5% of passengers in the self-reported survey indicated always wearing seatbelts when riding in buses. Passengers on 5 buses out of the 35 observed where the driver verbally prompted them to wear seatbelts were more likely (57.8%) to wear seatbelts than on the other buses (15.3%, p = 0.001). Comparing the self-reported survey with observations, passengers tended to overinflate seatbelt use by a factor of 1.6. This study provides useful information for efforts to increase and monitor seatbelt use among large intercity bus passengers in LMICs.Supplemental data for this article is available online at.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Okyere
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - P Agyei-Baffour
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - M J Harris
- School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - C Mock
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - I K Yankson
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Building and Road Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - P Donkor
- Department of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - E Owusu-Dabo
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Okyere P, Agyei-Baffour P, Harris MJ, Mock C, Donkor P, Yankson IK, Owusu-Dabo E. Predictors of Seat-Belt Use among Bus Passengers in Ghana: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Health Belief Model. J Community Health 2021; 46:992-999. [PMID: 33797681 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-021-00980-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seat-belt use is effective in preventing traffic fatalities and injuries yet its use is not universal. This study sought to determine the predictors of self-reported seat-belt use among bus passengers in Ghana based on the theory of planned behaviour and health belief model. METHODS A quantitative cross-sectional study design with 633 randomly selected intercity bus passengers was conducted using a structured questionnaire in Kumasi, Ghana. The resulting data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Ordinal regression was employed to determine the predictors of self-reported seat-belt use. RESULTS Majority of the respondents were male (61.5%) with a mean age of 32.2 (SD = 11.6). A third (33.0%) reported that they always wear their seat-belt as bus passengers. The results indicated that intention (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.21-1.84, p = 0.001), subjective norm (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.15-2.13, p = 0.004) and perceived behavioural control (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.21-1.92, p = 0.001) variables from the theory of planned behaviour were significant independent predictors of seat-belt use. Among the health belief model variables, perceived severity (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.15-2.16, p = 0.005) and perceived barriers (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.39-0.67, p = 0.001) were the only significant independent predictors of self-reported seat-belt use. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that intention, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, perceived severity and perceived barriers play an important role in determining bus passengers' seat-belt use behaviour. Road safety programmes to increase seat-belt use will gain from giving serious attention to these factors in the design and implementation of such programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Okyere
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Peter Agyei-Baffour
- Department of Health Policy, Management and Economics, School of Public Health, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Muriel Jean Harris
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Charles Mock
- Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Peter Donkor
- Department of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Isaac Kofi Yankson
- Building and Road Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- Department of Global and International Health, School of Public Health, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
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Amaefule K, Dahiru I, Sule U, Ejagwulu F, Maitama M, Ibrahim A. Trauma intensive care in a terror-ravaged, resource-constrained setting: Are we prepared for the emerging challenge? Afr J Emerg Med 2019; 9:S32-S37. [PMID: 30976498 PMCID: PMC6440917 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Trauma in developing countries has been on the increase, a situation perpetuated by rising road traffic collisions, terrorism and firearms proliferation. Some of the victims of trauma are left with life threatening conditions requiring urgent surgical intervention and/or intensive care. The objectives of this study were to determine the pattern of major trauma needing intensive care in the region, and to determine the outcome of major trauma admitted to intensive care unit. Methods A six-year retrospective cohort study of trauma patients needing intensive care, set in the Intensive Care Unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, North-West Nigeria. Subjects were major trauma patients admitted into the intensive care unit of the institution, identified via an admission register kept in the unit. The main outcomes measured were length of stay and mortality. Results Trauma admissions represented 25.1% of the all intensive care admissions. Severe traumatic brain injury accounted for 32.1% of the trauma admissions, while burns accounted for 23.2%. Of the injuries, 15.5% were sustained in bomb blasts, and 8.3% were firearm injuries. The majority of the patients stayed for no more than seven days from admission. Burns patients had the worst outcomes, with 82.1% mortality. Conclusion Major trauma contributes significantly to local intensive care admissions, with terrorism- related trauma now an emerging challenging cause of major trauma in our region. The observed poor outcomes in this study are a reflection of the quality of available intensive care, and lends credence to the concept of appropriately resourced, specialised intensive care units for optimisation of care.
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Woldegebriel MK, Aregawi BG, Gebru HT. Assessment of seat belt use and its associated factors among public transport drivers in North Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:98. [PMID: 30795791 PMCID: PMC6387553 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4140-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Road traffic injuries are the major and neglected public health challenges. It causes 1.2 million deaths and 50 million injuries yearly and the use of seat belt reduces 60% of the cases. However, little is known about the magnitude of utilizing seat belt and associated factors in Ethiopia. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the seat belt practice and associated factors among minibus and taxi drivers. RESULTS The magnitude of seat belt users is 69.6%. The majority (98.1%) of drivers used seat belt to minimize injuries, 95.8% to prevent casualties, 92.5% to safeguard vehicle occupants, 29.9% to generate revenue for government and 22.8% to beautify the vehicle. Almost 80% of participants reported that wearing seat belt could save lives; and 29.6% of them wear belts because of stiffer penalties. For not using seat belts, more than 18% drivers reasoned out that it is not guarantee for safety and it wastes time to wear. In the multiple logistic regression being taxi driver (AOR = 1.998, 95% CI 1.250, 3.192), being married (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.118, 7.601) and attended vocational school and above (AOR = 2.140, 95% CI 1.014, 4.519) were associated with seat belt use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manay K Woldegebriel
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Referral Hospital, Aksum University, Aksum, Ethiopia
| | - Berihu G Aregawi
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Referral Hospital, Aksum University, Aksum, Ethiopia
| | - Hafte T Gebru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Referral Hospital, Aksum University, P.O.Box: 298, Aksum, Ethiopia.
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Ojo TK. Seat belt and child restraint use in a developing country metropolitan city. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2018; 113:325-329. [PMID: 29477798 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Seat belt and child restraint use is noted to be poor in developing countries such as Ghana. An unobstructive observational survey guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour was therefore conducted to assess seat belt and child restraint use in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. The observational survey was carried out at the entrances of four nursery schools in medium and high class residential areas in the Metropolis to determine seat belt use by drivers and accompanied child being transported/dropped off in school. The results revealed that a total of 1922 vehicles comprising 826(43.0%) cars, 350(18.2%) SUV, 644(33.5%) taxis and 102(5.3%) mini buses with 3844 vehicle occupants comprising 1922 drivers and child apiece were successively observed. The majority of the drivers (53.1%) did not use the seat belt with 13.2% of the children been restrained. The gender of the driver has a relationship with the seat belt use. The vehicle type has a relationship with the child restraint use and the gender of the driver has a significant relationship with child restraint use. The enforcement of the Road Traffic Act 2004 and Road Traffic Regulation 2180 by the officials of Motor Transport and Traffic Department(MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) can establish social norms that may have a greater potential to enhance seat belt and child restraint use in the Metropolis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kolawole Ojo
- Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Ghana(1).
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Khadem-Rezaiyan M, Moallem SR, Vakili V. High-risk behaviors while driving: A population-based study from Iran. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2017; 18:257-261. [PMID: 27260770 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2016.1192612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Traffic injuries are becoming one of the most important challenges of public health systems. Because these injuries are mostly preventable, the aim of this study is to evaluate the four main high-risk behaviors while driving. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample from the population of Mashhad, Iran, in 2014. A checklist and a previously validated questionnaire for the transtheoretical stages of change model (TTM) were used for data collection. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 11.5 software with P <.05 statistically significant. RESULTS Totally 431 individuals were included with a mean age of 30 ± 11.3 years. Forty-three percent (183) were male. The TTM model revealed that participants were mostly in pre-actional phases regarding not using a cell phone while driving (80%), fastening the driver's seat belt (66%), front seat belt (68%), and rear seat belt (85%) The penalty was a protective factor only for using cellphone (odd ratio [OR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-0.98). Lower education (OR = 0.12, 95% CI, 0.01-0.94) and male gender (OR = 0.35, 95% CI, 0.14-0.83) were indicative of lower rates of fastening the front and rear seat belts. CONCLUSION The stages of change model among study participants is a proper reflection of the effectiveness of the current policies. More serious actions regarding these high-risk behaviors should be considered in legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Khadem-Rezaiyan
- a Department of Community Medicine and Public Health , Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Moallem
- b Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Veda Vakili
- a Department of Community Medicine and Public Health , Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
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Agu KA, Enemuo VC, Okoye LO, Onwuasoigwe O. Seatbelt use among drivers in an urban city in Nigeria: an observational study. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2016; 24:487-492. [PMID: 27748141 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2016.1232276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies from parts of Nigeria reported low compliance with seatbelt. This study sought to establish driver seatbelt use in Enugu, Nigeria by gender, vehicle type/use and time of day. Observations were done day and night at randomly selected locations. Data were analysed with SPSS version 15. Differences in response were checked with chi-square for trend. Confidence interval was 95% and P value < 0.05 was regarded as significant. Average compliance was 37.6% for the 510 males (85%) and 90 females (15%) observed. It was 74.8% in the day and 0.3% at night. Among males, 218 (42.7%) wore seatbelt while 9 (10%) females did. For commercial drivers 159 (65.2%) complied while 68 (19.1%) private drivers did. Truck drivers had 100% compliance while sports utility vehicle drivers had the lowest (18.8%). There is poor seatbelt compliance in Enugu, Nigeria and need for educational campaigns and stricter enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Amaechi Agu
- a Department of Surgery , University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital , Enugu , Nigeria
| | - Vincent Chidi Enemuo
- a Department of Surgery , University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital , Enugu , Nigeria
| | - Linda Oge Okoye
- b Department of Restorative Dentistry , University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital , Enugu , Nigeria
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Abayomi O, Babalola OR, Olakulehin OA, Ighoroje M. Drink driving and risky behavior among university students in southwestern Nigeria-Implications for policy development. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2016; 17:330-335. [PMID: 26252819 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2015.1077238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drink driving contributes significantly to road traffic injuries. Little is known about the relationship between drink driving and other high-risk behaviors in non-Western countries. The study aimed to assess the relationship between drink driving and other risky behaviors including making phone calls, sending text messages, nonuse of protective gear, and driving against traffic. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of risky behavior among undergraduates was conducted. A stratified random sampling method was used to identify young undergraduates who had driven a motorized vehicle in the past year. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and other tools developed by researchers were used to identify the risky behaviors. RESULTS Of 431 respondents, 10.7% had engaged in drink driving in the past 12 months. The most common risky behavior was making phone calls (63.7%), followed by nonuse of helmets (54.7%), driving against traffic (49.2%), nonuse of seat belts (46.8%), and sending text messages (26.1%). Alcohol use was significantly associated with making phone calls (U = 1.148; P < .0001), sending text messages (U = 1.598; P = .021), nonuse of helmets (U = 1.147; P < .0001), driving against traffic (U = 1.234; P < .0001), and nonuse of seat belts (U = 3.233; P = .001). Drink driving was associated with all risky behaviors except nonuse of seat belts (U = 1.842; P = .065). CONCLUSION Alcohol use and drink driving were associated with multiple risky driving behaviors. This provides useful insight for policy development and presents additional challenges for traffic injury prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Abayomi
- a Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital , Ogbomoso , Oyo State , Nigeria
| | - O R Babalola
- b National Orthopedic Hospital , Lagos , Nigeria
| | - O A Olakulehin
- a Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital , Ogbomoso , Oyo State , Nigeria
| | - M Ighoroje
- c Neuropsychiatric Hospital , Aro , Abeokuta , Nigeria
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Torkamannejad Sabzevari J, Khanjani N, Molaei Tajkooh A, Nabipour AR, Sullman MJM. Seat belt use among car drivers in Iranian safe communities: An observational study. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2015; 17:134-141. [PMID: 26065342 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2015.1052138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The number of road traffic injuries and fatalities in Iran is high. The aim of the present study was to investigate the rate of drivers' seat belt use and a number of related factors in Kashmar, Bardaskan, and Khalilabad (Iranian Safe Communities). METHODS In 2014, driver observations were made at 48 road sites on intercity roads, main streets, side streets, and rural roads in these 3 cities. RESULTS A total of 10,255 vehicles were observed, with the overall rate of seat belt use being 51.8%. The rates in Kashmar, Bardaskan, and Khalilabad were 51.4, 56.3, and 47.7%, respectively. In Kashmar, the odds of seat belt use were higher among drivers who were female, older, and taxi drivers. Higher use was also found during the afternoon, and lower use was observed on rural roads. In Khalilabad the odds of seat belt use were higher among females, older drivers, taxis, and private car drivers. Seat belt use was also higher on weekends and during the morning but was significantly lower on rural roads. Similarly, in Bardaskan the odds of using a seat belt were higher among females, older drivers, taxis, and private car drivers. Seat belt use was also higher during the afternoon but was significantly lower on rural roads, in comparison to main streets and intercity roads. CONCLUSIONS The rate of seat belt use in these 3 cities was found to be low, despite these cities being designated as International Safe Communities. Therefore, seat belt promotion programs, tougher regulations, stronger enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and more research are needed to promote seat belt use in these Iranian cities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Narges Khanjani
- b Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology , Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
- c Monash Centre for Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
| | | | - Amir Reza Nabipour
- d Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
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Aladelusi T, Akinmoladun V, Olusanya A, Akadiri O, Fasola A. Analysis of Road Traffic Crashes-Related Maxillofacial Injuries Severity and Concomitant Injuries in 201 Patients Seen at the UCH, Ibadan. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr 2014; 7:284-9. [PMID: 25383148 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1378183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of road traffic crashes (RTC)-related maxillofacial injuries, the concomitant injuries occurring with them, and to assess the relationship between the severity of maxillofacial and concomitant injuries. This was a prospective study involving 201 victims of RTC seen at the Accident and Emergency Department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan with maxillofacial injuries during the study period. Demographic data of the patients, the types of maxillofacial injuries, and concomitant injuries sustained were recorded. Severity of maxillofacial injury was determined using the maxillofacial injury severity scale (MFISS), while the severity of concomitant injuries was based on the ISS. Correlations between types and severity of maxillofacial injury and types and severity of concomitant injury were conducted to determine the predictability of concomitant injuries based on maxillofacial injury severity. Data were processed using SPSS Statistical software (SPSS, version 20.0 for windows, IBM SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Maxillofacial injuries constituted 25.4% of RTC-related admission by the Accident and Emergency Department. A total of 151 (75.1%) patients who presented with concomitant injuries participated in the study. Eighty-one (53.6%) sustained injuries to more than one body region. Head injury was the commonest (99, 65.6%) concomitant injury, followed by orthopedic injury (69, 45.7%). Increasing severity of maxillofacial injury showed a positive correlation with increasing ISS. Also, positive correlation was noted with increasing severity of maxillofacial injury and presence of polytrauma (p = 0.01), traumatic brain injury (p = 0.034), and eye injuries (p = 0.034). There was a high prevalence of maxillofacial injuries in victims of RTC. There was a high incidence of concomitant injuries noted with these maxillofacial injuries. Significantly, this study showed a direct relationship between the severity of maxillofacial injury and head, ocular and polytrauma. This study further emphasizes the need for thorough examination of patients presenting with RTC-related maxillofacial injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Aladelusi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria ; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Victor Akinmoladun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria ; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Adeola Olusanya
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria ; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Oladimeji Akadiri
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun Fasola
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria ; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
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Vecino-Ortiz AI, Bishai D, Chandran A, Bhalla K, Bachani AM, Gupta S, Slyunkina E, Hyder AA. Seatbelt wearing rates in middle income countries: a cross-country analysis. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2014; 71:115-119. [PMID: 24906165 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2014.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In settings with low seatbelt use prevalence, self-reported seatbelt use estimates often lack validity, and routine observational studies are scarce. In this paper, we aim to describe the prevalence of seatbelt use and associated factors in drivers and front-seat passengers across eight sites in four countries (Egypt, Mexico, Russia, Turkey) using observational studies as well as to produce estimates of country-level and site-level variance. As part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Road Safety Program, data on driver and passenger seatbelt use across four middle-income countries was collected between October 2010 and May 2011 (n=122,931 vehicles). Logistic regression and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient analyses for sites- and country-level clustering were performed. We found high variability of seatbelt wearing rates ranging from 4 to 72% in drivers and 3-50% in front-seat passengers. Overall, average seatbelt wearing rates were low (under 60% in most sites). At the individual level, older and female drivers were more likely to wear seatbelts, as well as drivers of vehicles transiting at times of increased vehicle flow. We also found that 26-32% and 37-41% of the variance in seatbelt use among drivers and front-seat passengers respectively was explained by differences across sites and countries. Our results demonstrate that there is room for improvement on seatbelt use in middle-income countries and that standardized cross-country studies on road safety risk factors are feasible, providing valuable information for prevention and monitoring activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres I Vecino-Ortiz
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - David Bishai
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Aruna Chandran
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kavi Bhalla
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Abdulgafoor M Bachani
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shivam Gupta
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ekaterina Slyunkina
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Adnan A Hyder
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Mirzaei R, Hafezi-Nejad N, Sadegh Sabagh M, Ansari Moghaddam A, Eslami V, Rakhshani F, Rahimi-Movaghar V. Dominant role of drivers' attitude in prevention of road traffic crashes: a study on knowledge, attitude, and practice of drivers in Iran. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2014; 66:36-42. [PMID: 24508588 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2014.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 12/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluating the relation between Iranian drivers' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding traffic regulations, and their deterministic effect on road traffic crashes (RTCs). SETTING Two cities of Tehran and Zahedan, Iran. METHODS A cross-sectional study was designed. Using a simplified cluster sampling design, 2200 motor vehicle drivers including 1200 in Tehran and 1000 in Zahedan were selected. Sixty locations in Tehran and 50 in Zahedan were chosen. In each pre-identified location, 20 adult drivers were approached consecutively. A questionnaire developed by researchers was filled by each participant. The questionnaire had four sections including items assessing the demographics, knowledge, attitude and practice of drivers toward traffic regulations. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the RTCs and KAP variables. RESULTS The study sample consisted of 619 (28.1%) occupational and 1580 (71.8%) private drivers. Among them, 86.4% were male. The median age was 33.6 ± 10.83. Drivers in Tehran and Zahedan had no significant differences between their mean scores of KAP items of the questionnaire. Higher knowledge, safer attitude, and safer practice were associated with a decreased number of RTC. After adjusting for possible confounders, increase of one standard deviation in attitude and practice scores (but not knowledge) resulted in 26.4% and 18.5% decrease in RTC, respectively. Finally, considering knowledge, attitude and practice of drivers in one model to assess their mutual effect, it was shown that only attitude is significantly associated with a decrease of RTC (OR=0.76, P=0.007). CONCLUSION Increase in attitude and practice accompanied with decreased number of RTCs in Iranian drivers. Specifically, drivers' attitude had the crucial effect. It is not knowledge and standard traffic education; rather it is how such education is registered as an attitude that translates what is being learned into actions. Without safer attitude, even safer self-reported practice will not result in lower RTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramazan Mirzaei
- School of Medicine/Public Health, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (ZUMS), Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Nima Hafezi-Nejad
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Sabagh
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Vahid Eslami
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran; Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Rakhshani
- School of Medicine/Public Health, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (ZUMS), Zahedan, Iran; Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Neural Repair, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Al Turki YA. How can Saudi Arabia use the Decade of Action for Road Safety to catalyse road traffic injury prevention policy and interventions? Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2013; 21:397-402. [PMID: 24047249 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2013.833943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults worldwide. Nearly three-quarters of road deaths occur in developing countries and men comprise a mean 80% of casualties. The rate of road traffic accidents caused by four-wheeled vehicles is the highest globally reported road traffic accidents statistic. In Saudi Arabia, the motor vehicle is the main means of transportation with one person killed and four injured every hour. Over 65% of accidents occur because of vehicles travelling at excess speed and/or drivers disobeying traffic signals. Road traffic injuries cause considerable economic losses to victims, their families, and to nations as a whole. Strategic prevention plans should be implemented soon by various sectors (health, police, transport, and education) to decrease the mortality and morbidity among adolescent and young age group. Strong and effective coordination between ministry of health and other ministries together with World Health Organization and other related organisations will be an important step towards implementing the international Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020). The aim of this review article is to highlight some aspects of the health impacts of road traffic accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Abdullah Al Turki
- a Department of Family and Community Medicine , College of Medicine, King Saud University , PO Box 28054, Riyadh 11437 , Saudi Arabia
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Nabipour AR, Khanjani N, Soltani Z, Akbari M. The rate of seat belt use and its related factors among car drivers in Tehran, Iran after imposing new regulations. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2013; 21:348-54. [DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2013.833941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Apantaku-Onayemi F, Baldyga W, Amuwo S, Adefuye A, Mason T, Mitchell R, Blumenthal DS. Driving to better health: cancer and cardiovascular risk assessment among taxi cab operators in Chicago. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2012; 23:768-80. [PMID: 22643623 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2012.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
While a number of investigations of the health of taxi cab drivers have been conducted in Europe, Asia, and Africa, virtually none have been conducted in the United States. We undertook a survey of taxi cab operators in the Chicago area to understand better their health status and health promotion practices. The survey was completed by a convenience sample of 751 Chicago taxi drivers. Taxi drivers had low rates of insurance coverage, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity compared with the general Chicago population. Participation in cancer screening tests was also lower for this group. A high proportion of taxi drivers are immigrants. They tend to be highly educated and report a readiness to engage in more health-promoting behaviors. Further research is needed to develop a targeted intervention for this population.
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Siviroj P, Peltzer K, Pengpid S, Morarit S. Non-seatbelt use and associated factors among Thai drivers during Songkran festival. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:608. [PMID: 22863275 PMCID: PMC3490791 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Road traffic accidents are the second largest cause of burden of disease in Thailand, largely attributable to behavioural risk factors including drinking and driving, speeding, substance abuse and failure to use seatbelts. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of non-seatbelt use among drivers during Songkran festival in Thailand. Methods A cross-sectional survey has been performed to determine the prevalence of seatbelt use among Thai drivers (N=13722) during four days of the Songkran festival. For this sample the population of drivers was consecutively selected from 12 petrol stations in four provinces from each of the four main geographical regions of Thailand. The study was conducted at petrol stations at roads in town, outside town and highway at different time intervals when trained field staff administered a structured questionnaire and performed an observation checklist on seat belt use. Results An overall prevalence of 28.4% of non-seatbelt use among drivers was found. In multivariable analysis demographics (being male, younger age, coming from the Northern or Southern region in Thailand), environmental factors (earlier during the Songkran festival, in the morning and late evening and on main roads in town), seatbelt use experiences and attitudes (having been in an accident before, never having used a seatbelt, no intention to use a seatbelt, lack of awareness of danger of non-seatbelt use and lower perceived risk of being caught with non-seatbelt use) and lower exposure to road safety awareness (RSA) campaign (less frequent exposure to RSA campaign, less frequent following of RTI statistics and not talking with others about the RSA campaign) were associated with non-seatbelt use. Conclusion Rates of non-seatbelt use by Thai drivers during Songkran festival was 28.4%. Lower exposure to the RSA campaign was found to be associated with non-seatbelt use among drivers during the Songkran festival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penprapa Siviroj
- Department of Community Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Olukoga A, Legall G, Odekunle A. Pattern of seat belt use by drivers in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. BMC Res Notes 2011; 4:201. [PMID: 21679410 PMCID: PMC3138466 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-4-201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Trinidad and Tobago, the law on the mandatory use of seat belts was passed in 1995, but this law is hardly enforced. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and predictors of seat belt use by motor vehicle drivers in the country. FINDINGS A cross-sectional study of 959 motor vehicle drivers using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis included Pearson Chi square test and multinomial logistic regression analysis in order to determine the possible predictors of seat belt use by the drivers in Trinidad and Tobago. A majority of the drivers sometimes (51.8%) or always (31.6%) use a seat belt. About 16.7%, 29% and 54.2% of the drivers perceived that the other drivers use their seat belts more frequently, with the same frequency and less frequently respectively compared to themselves. The main reason for not using seat belt by the drivers was given as frequent stops (40.7%) and the main motivation to use seat belt by the drivers was given as stiffer penalties for non-compliance with the seat belt law (44.5%). The predictors of seat belt use were male driver, no formal or lower level of education, driving for less than 10 years, and the perception that the other drivers use seat belts with the same or higher frequency compared to the respondents. CONCLUSION Only a small proportion of the drivers in Trinidad and Tobago always use a seat belt when driving. There is the need to enforce the seat belt legislation in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun Olukoga
- Department of Para-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St, Augustine, Trinidad, WI.
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Oladepo O, Onyema CR. Knowledge and attitude of safety belt use among professional drivers in a tertiary Nigerian institution. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2011; 18:57-64. [DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2010.517320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oladimeji Oladepo
- a Department of Health Promotion and Education, Faculty of Public Health , College of Medicine, University of Ibadan , Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Chika Rose Onyema
- a Department of Health Promotion and Education, Faculty of Public Health , College of Medicine, University of Ibadan , Ibadan, Nigeria
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