Abstract:

Background: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a leading cause of disability and fatality globally and motorcycle accidents as among other types of road accidents, form a fatal category of motor traffic accidents. Regarding risk factors for motorcycle injuries, the non-use of helmet has been identified as a specific factor leading to head injuries and fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes. Helmets as a protective measure have been identified to be effective towards head injury prevention.

Objectives and Methods: The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice among motorcyclists in Mwanza city. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Mwanza city at different motorcyclist parking points, the questionnaire were administered to the motorcyclist at specific parking points, the data cleaned, analysed and processed by using SPSS version 17.0.

Results: The total of 200 motorcyclists was involved in the study. The majority of motorcyclists were at the age 20 to 25 years (62.5%), about 72.5% of motorcyclists were single and 25.5% were married, 41% completed primary school, 33% completed secondary school and 0.5% were never gone to school. 91.5% had high knowledge, 87.5% had positive attitudes on helmets use, also 97.5% had helmet, 95.5% didn’t were using helmet and 68% wore the helmets every day at every trip while 4.5% didn’t wear helmets. Also 85.2% of motorcyclists who had high knowledge had positive attitude on helmet use also 75% who had low knowledge had negative attitude, 98.4% of motorcyclists who had high knowledge had helmets and 71.6% wore helmets every day at every trip. 95% said wearing helmet is necessary even if no traffic around, 98.5% said helmet use is important for both driver and passenger safety hence everyone should were helmets, 91.5% said wearing helmet is necessary even during hot weather, 94% wearing helmet do not reduce peripheral vision, 96% helmet use is necessary all the time, 90.5% helmets are comfortable, 97% also its necessary for young, 88.5 wearing helmet is necessary even when riding short trip, 82.5 even experienced driver should wear helmets, 29.5% wearing helmets is not to avoid police fines and 96% said wearing helmets is necessary when riding on both highways and small roads.

Conclusion and recommendation: The study shows that majority of motorcyclists in Mwanza region are young and young adults with formal education had high knowledge and positive attitudes on helmet use and also majority wore the helmets. The consistency of helmet use is associated with level of education, knowledge and positive attitudes towards helmet use. The government should ensure the availability and accessibility of good quality and durable helmet provide education on proper and consistency of helmet use in all over the country. Also should enforce helmets law and safety regulation that will be well implemented. Ensure good relationship and cooperation between motorcyclists themselves, organization, and policeman.