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Background Motorcycle-related road traffic injuries are a significant contributor to the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. To reduce this risk, helmet use has been proven an effective method. Aims/Objective/Purpose Given an increase in motorcycle use in Cambodia, this study aims to assess the current status of helmet use, as well as the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of use among motorcyclists. Methods Helmet observations were conducted in Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Siem Reap, and Kampong Cham to assess the current status of helmet use. In addition, roadside knowledge, attitudes, and practice interviews were also conducted in Phnom Penh, Kandal, and Kampong Speu to determine prevailing beliefs. Results/Outcomes Though awareness of the benefits of wearing a helmet is high, actual helmet use remains low. Daytime usage is higher than nighttime (45% vs 32% across all study sites in January 2012), and these proportions are significantly higher among drivers than among passengers (ratio of 8.2 : 1.0). Among those interviewed in 2011, 55% said that use of a helmet depends on where they drive. The top three reasons for always wearing a helmet included: lifesaving potential, legal duty, and police fines. Helmet quality, price, style, and colour were also important factors influencing the decision to purchase a helmet. Significance/Contribution to the Field The results of this study will be used to assist with better planning and implementation of injury prevention strategies and to address the continuing need to improve the proportion of all-day helmet wearing, especially at night and among motorcycle passengers in Cambodia.

Background As the number of motorcyclists in Cambodia increases, so do motorcycle-related injuries. Injuries decrease as helmet use increases. Campaigns addressing this issue will be more effective if they are based on prior knowledge and barrier of helmet use. Aims/Objectives/Purpose To determine the prevalence of helmet use and reasons for non-use among motorcycle riders in Cambodia. Methods We conducted helmet observations and roadside interviews in five Cambodian provinces. Results/Outcomes Trained researchers observed helmet use for drivers of 71.4% at 9:00, 68.2% at noon, 62.7% at 17:00, and 47.8% at 19:00. For passengers, researchers observed rates of 6.6% at 9:00, 7.9% at noon, 6.3% at 17:00, and 4.7% at 19:00. Most drivers and passengers older than 16 years who reported that they regularly wear a helmet said they do so because it can save their life (96% and 98%, respectively). The most common reasons for not consistently wearing a helmet were: (1) 'factors that depend on where I drive,' (2) 'I forgot', (3) 'inconvenient/uncomfortable'. We found that 91% of riders get their road safety information from the television. Parents reported their children do not regularly wear a helmet because they are 'too young' (37%) or they are 'riding close to home in their neighborhood' (17%). Significance/Contribution to the Field Helmet use varied greatly between drivers and passengers by time of day. As a result of these data, we have launch a television campaign focused on passengers and emphasising the importance of wearing a helmet anytime they are on a motorcycle. This is an abstract of a presentation at Safety 2012, the 11th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, 1-4 October 2012, Michael Fowler Center, Wellington, New Zealand. Full text does not seem to be available for this abstract.