Trends in motorcycle helmet use in Vietnam: results from a four-year study.

OBJECTIVES: Helmet use is a major risk factor for road traffic injuries and fatalities. This study sought to determine the state of helmet use in Ha Nam and Ninh Binh provinces in Vietnam, and ascertain knowledge, attitudes, and practices of helmet use over time.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational helmet use studies, and roadside knowledge, attitudes, and practice surveys.

METHODS: Data were collected through observational helmet use studies at multiple sites in Ha Nam and Ninh Binh provinces over 14 rounds between June 2011 and December 2014. Six rounds of knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys were administered at gas stations between December 2011 and July 2014. Trend analysis and negative binomial regressions were used to analyze trend data.

RESULTS: Between June 2011 and December 2014, 301,981 helmet-use observations were conducted in Ha Nam and Ninh Binh. Correct helmet use increased significantly (P < 0.01) in Ha Nam from 34.3% to 76.9% (P < 0.01), while use in Ninh Binh increased from 68.9% to 72.2% (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Helmet use has improved statistically significantly in Ha Nam but not in Ninh Binh. Ceiling effects may have limited the scope of improvements in Ninh Binh province.