Effect of motorcycle helmet types on head injuries: evidence from eight level-I trauma centres in Taiwan

Lam, Carlos; Wiratama, Bayu Satria; Chang, Wen-Han; Chen, Ping-Ling; Chiu, Wen-Ta; Saleh, Wafaa; Pai, Chih-Wei

Abstract

Background
Motorcycle full-coverage helmet use may reduce fatalities and head injuries.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study extracted injury data from eight level-I trauma centres in Taiwan and performed a questionnaire survey to investigate injuries sustained by motorcyclists for the period between January 2015 and June 2017.

Results
As many as 725 patients participated in the questionnaire survey and reported their helmet types or phone use during crashes. The results of multivariate logistic models demonstrated that nonstandard helmet (half or open-face helmet) use was associated with an increased risk of head injuries and more severe injuries (injury severity score ≥ 8). Drunk riding and phone use appeared to be two important risk factors for head injuries and increased injury severity. Anaemia was also found to be a determinant of head injuries.”

Conclusions
Compared to full-coverage helmets, nonstandard provide less protection against head injuries and increased injury severity among motorcyclists.

Citation

Lam, C., Wiratama, B. S., Chang, W., Chen, P., Chiu, W., Saleh, W., & Pai, C. (2020). Effect of motorcycle helmet types on head injuries: evidence from eight level-I trauma centres in Taiwan. BMC Public Health, 20(1), Article 78 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8191-1

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 9, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jan 17, 2020
• Publication Date: 2020
• Deposit Date: Mar 5, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 5, 2020
• Journal: BMC Public Health
• Publisher: BMC
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 78 (2020)
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8191-1
• Keywords: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2611784