Barriers and facilitators of helmet use in a Greek sample of motorcycle riders: Which evidence?

AimThe current study aimed to assess the frequency of helmet use in a sample of Greek motorcycle riders as well as identify factors affecting self-reported helmet use including the riders’ motivations and various socio-demographic, environmental and trip-related characteristics.MethodA probabilistic, stratified random sampling was performed to select 405 riders aged 19–65 years from three cities of Crete. Data were collected through an easy-to-use self-administered questionnaire during face-to-face contacts with the study participants.ResultsThe overall self-reported helmet use was very low. Gender, years of education, consumption of high concentrated alcohol, and time of day when riding occurred, were significant predictors of the frequency of self-reported helmet use. High agreement with the factors of Imitation (B = 5.4, p < .001), Experience (B = 2.6, p = .001), Self-protection (B = 3.8, p < .001), Environment (B = 5.8, p < .001), and Regulation (B = 4.2, p < .001) as well as low agreement with the factors of Discomfort (B = −4.3, p < .001) and Underestimation of danger (B = −1.9, p < .013), were associated at a statistically significant level with higher frequency of self-reported helmet use.ConclusionThe evidence derived from this study could be useful in understanding the priorities for future intervention. Continuous education programs and intensification of law enforcement, particularly at night hours, may be effective in increasing helmet use.

► Helmet use is very low among Greek motorcycle riders.
► The influence of parents and significant others plays a key role in helmet use.
► The underestimation of danger as a major barrier of helmet use should be addressed through early educational efforts.
► Improvements in helmets’ comfort and law enforcement have the potential to increase helmet use.