Pakistan: Helmet Use

Wearing a helmet is the single most effective measure for preventing head injuries among motorcycle users. In Pakistan, where the number of people using motorcycles is rapidly increasing and now comprise 48% of all motor vehicles, not all motorcyclists wear helmets. Imram Kahn and his colleagues in the Department of Neurology at Aga Khan University carried out a study to find out why.

They surveyed motorcyclists selected in three public access parking spaces in Karachi randomly selected from a list of all parking spaces. At the parking lots, the study investigators randomly selected dismounted motorcyclists for interview. A total of 300 motorcyclists were interviewed; all of them were men (The authors report that women seldom drive motorcycles in Asia). Slightly more than half – 169 (56.3%) – of the respondents reported wearing a helmet always or almost always, and the rest reported never or almost never wearing helmets.

When the two groups of helmet wearers were compared, there were differences. The group of helmet wearers were more likely to have a graduate degree, believe that helmets were effective in preventing injury, and think that passengers should wear helmets. When the helmet wearing group was asked about why they wore helmets, 78% said for protection from head injuries and 50% said to protect against dust. About one-third wore helmets because they had previously fallen. In the non-wearing group, 44% didn’t wear helmets because they were uncomfortable and heavy. About one-quarter of that group said that helmets limited their visual field. Less than 5% said that helmets were too expensive.

This study has important implications for educational programmes. Even though there are laws requiring helmet use, these laws have had little impact on riders with less education and in lower socioeconomic groups. The authors conclude that interventions to increase helmet wearing should focus on these riders.

Khan I, Aziz F, Islam M, Shafqat S. Factors associated with helmet use among motorcycle users in Karachi, Pakistan. Acad Emerg Med 2008:15(4):384-7.

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