Seatbelt and Helmet Use and Associated Factors in a Metropolitan Area

Background: Despite the mandatory rules and established efficacy of seatbelts and helmets, using them is still unsatisfactory. It seems that there are several factors associated with seatbelt and helmet use in the general public. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with the use of seatbelts and helmets. Patients and Methods: This questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was a part of the national survey including 1,000 respondents in 2008 - 2010. After compilation of the collected data, analysis was carried out using SPSS version 11.5. In all calculations, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The research sampling consisted of 500 men and 500 women ranging in age from 17 to 67 years. Seatbelt use differed according to certain factors, such as location (P < 0.009), sex (P < 0.001), and smoking (P < 0.04). Similarly, the use of helmets also varied according to sex (P < 0.001), smoking (P < 0.001), and tobacco consumption (P < 0.04). Conclusions: Some factors seem to play a very important role in seatbelt and helmet use; these should be taken into consideration by policymakers.