Motorcycle injuries are a major cause of death in Cameroon and the burden is on the rise. Low personal protective equipment (PPE) use, especially helmets, exacerbates the burden.
This study investigated PPE uptake and determinants among motorcyclists in the crisis-affected Limbe and Tiko Health Districts.
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 499 commercial motorcyclists aged 18 years and above in all 16 health areas of the Limbe and Tiko Health Districts, Cameroon. Participants were recruited through consecutive sampling at motorcycle pick-up points after obtaining ethical clearance from the University of Buea. Trained research assistants used structured questionnaires to collect data on sociodemographics, riding habits and determinants of PPE uptake. An observational checklist was used to collect data on helmet use. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify factors influencing helmet use among the riders.
The mean age of the motorcyclists was 32.2 (and the SD was 7.6) years. A total of 242 (48.5%) were within the age range 21–30 years and all the riders were males.
The majority of riders were single, 261 (52.3%) and 291 (58.3%) had attended secondary school. The proportion of riders who reported not having a valid motorcycle licence was 339 (67.9%).
Among the 499 riders studied, 81.8% used long trousers, 30.1% used boots and 28.6% used helmets. Only 22.7% used gloves and 14.8% used eye glasses. Factors independently associated with helmet use were being married (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.81, 95% CI 0.34 to 7.42, p<0.005), owning a valid license (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.19, p=0.006) and being an internally displaced person (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.84, p=0.007). Also, having good knowledge of PPE (aOR 3.01, 95% CI 1.60 to 5.65, p=0.001) and being trained on PPE (aOR 2.48, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.84, p=0.000) were significant factors.
The uptake of PPE is low, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve PPE uptake among commercial motorcyclists. The identified determinants of helmet use can inform evidence-based strategies to enhance road safety and reduce the burden of motorcycle-related injuries in this at-risk population.