Designing, Implementing and Evaluation of a Comprehensive Program Increases Helmet Use Among Motorcyclist in Charoimagh Country

Abstract

Background: Social Campaign is a comprehensive designed program which aims to engage all members of society and a wide variety of measures as well. High rate of traffic accidents and mortality alongside high rate of motorbikes in small cities in Iran lead to pay more attention to develop preventative programs. To provide a platform for safety promotion among motorbikes and initiating community participation Helmet use campaign was carried out on Charoimagh, Iran. Methods: After the diagnostic evaluation the behavior of about 750 motorcyclists on wearing helmets in the 31 rural areas and 2 urban areas were investigated. By the primary lobbying on local authorities as governor and mayor numerous meeting was developed to meet stakeholders’ needs and feasibility of performing campaign as well. Next another meeting was held with the participation of all the relevant organizations in the field of Helmet use. Campaign were carried out as part of a two-month program in the one week and activities include: community informing, providing bill boards and banners on helmet use, motorbikes carnival, children competition in the schools, selling low price Helmet, and building a motorbikes safety promotion website. Results: After manipulation wearing of helmet was increased and it was found reduction in the mortality rate and injury among motorbikes. Additionally schoolchild intended more to talk and motivates their fathers to wear helmet. At the community level social expectations toward wearing of helmet was improved. The rate of helmet use in the population studied is 12%. After the intervention, the use of helmets from 12% to 2/43% among motorcycle riders and from 1% to 1/9% increase in passengers, as well as other results include a reduction in motorcycle deaths from 14 cases to 12 to increase awareness of the benefits of helmet use by motorcyclists, positive attitude to the intention wearing a helmet, increase local participation in planning, policy makers, health-related programs and positive impact on sales and increased attention motorcycle helmet 32 / 15% to 7/26%, respectively. Conclusion: community based initiatives and developing campaigns mobilize communities’ resources and potentials to improve community participation which enhancing healthy status and welfare of people as well. Campaign program is more welcoming and inclusive and that the results are likely to be lasting.