Psychological determinants of motorcycle helmet use among young adults in Cambodia


Autoria(s): Brijs, Kris; Brijs, Tom; Sann, Socheata; Anh, Trinh Tú; Wets, Geert; Ruiter, Robert A.C.
Data(s)

01/09/2014

Resumo

Cambodian accident statistics show that motivating motorcyclists to make proper use of a safety helmet is a top priority for road safety policy makers. Yet, currently there is no insight whatsoever in the psychological precursors of helmet use in Cambodia. As such, it remains unclear which variables to target by interventions aimed at promoting the use of safety helmets. Therefore, this study adopted a socio-cognitive perspective towards the examination of helmet use in a sample of Cambodian young adults (N = 344). Two theoretical models, i.e., Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour were combined and further complemented with two norm-related variables, i.e., descriptive- and personal norm. Based on the results, two important conclusions can be drawn. Firstly, the sample investigated in this study is clearly favourably disposed towards the use of helmets while riding. Secondly, in decreasing order, helmet use behaviour was found to be determined by the following five key-determinants: perceived behavioural control over a specific set of inhibiting situational factors (i.e., mostly when driving short distances, at night, or when dressed up to go out), perceived behavioural control in general, perceived susceptibility, personal norm, and behavioural intentions. Policy makers are recommended to reevaluate their current behavioural change methods for young adults being favourably disposed towards the use of safety helmets. Rather than focussing on motivation-oriented methods, there is a need for strategies that (1) stimulate the translation of good intentions into the desirable behaviour and (2) encourage young adults not to relapse in case they are exposed to risk facilitating circumstances. These implications will be discussed more in detail.

Identificador

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/80011/

Publicador

Elsevier

Relação

DOI:10.1016/j.trf.2014.08.002

Brijs, Kris, Brijs, Tom, Sann, Socheata, Anh, Trinh Tú, Wets, Geert, & Ruiter, Robert A.C. (2014) Psychological determinants of motorcycle helmet use among young adults in Cambodia. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 26(Part A), pp. 273-290.

Direitos

Copyright 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Fonte

Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety - Qld (CARRS-Q); Faculty of Health; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation; School of Psychology & Counselling

Palavras-Chave #motorcycle helmet use #Cambodia #young adults #Theory of Planned Behaviour #Health Belief Model
Tipo

Journal Article