519 Injury prevalence and safety habits of motorcycle taxi drivers in urban Moshi, Tanzania. (1st September 2016) - Nguyen, Tuan-Dat V
Abstract : Background: Road traffic crashes are a major cause of global morbidity and mortality, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Motorcycle taxi (boda-boda) drivers are particularly vulnerable because they have limited protection and safety equipment. This study characterises injury prevalence and safety habits amongst boda-boda drivers, and identifies intervention points to improve road safety. Methods: A prospective mixed methods interview and safety assessment was administered to 300 boda-boda drivers in urban Moshi, Tanzania. Participants were chosen randomly from 25 of 58 registered boda-boda stands and 2 of 31 unregistered stands. The survey was administered using a computerised, internet based survey tool (REDCAPS) and tablet computers. Data were analysed using R, and a thematic analysis was performed and agreed upon by three investigators (MP, TN, CS). Results: Of the 148 participants (49.3%) who had experienced a crash, 114 (77.0%) sustained at least one injury. Only 27 of those injured (23.4%) were hospitalised. 220 participants (73.3%) reported consistent helmet usage despite the fact that 285 participants (95.0%) agree that helmet usage reduces injury severity. Of the 280 helmets observed, 231 (82.5%) were either damaged or fit improperly. A thematic analysis of boda-boda drivers' suggestions to increase road safety identified four intervention points: 1) roadway infrastructure and traffic regulation, 2) road user attitudes and safe driving behaviours, 3) education and training, and 4) law enforcement. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates the high prevalence of road traffic injuries amongst boda-boda drivers. The study identifies four intervention points that can be leveraged to increase overall road traffic safety. Unfortunately, while boda-boda drivers are aware of ways to improve safety, adherence to safety habits remains low. Successful interventions will bridge the gap between knowledge and practice of safety habits.