FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PATTERN OF SAFETY BELT USE AMONG PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS EMPLOYED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of motor accidents in Nigeria is a major public health challenge. Studies have shown that use of safety belt is effective in the reduction of the morbidity and mortality associated with motor accidents worldwide. Little is however known about the pattern of safety belt use and factors influencing its use among drivers employed in institution of higher learning in Nigeria. This study was therefore designed to determine the pattern and factors which influence safety belt use among drivers employed by the University of lbadan (UI) Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from 202 of the 228 drivers who consented to participate in the study using a validated questionnaire. A key informant interview (KII) guide was used to collect qualitative data from the University Librarian, the transport officer in Ul and the commandant of Federal Road Safety Commission in lbadan. Data collected using the KII guide were analysed using the thematic approach while data obtained from the survey were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square. All the respondents were males with a mean age of 49.5±5.8 years. All the respondents had heard about safety belts and their overall mean knowledge score relating to safety belt was 8.9±1.4 out of a maximum of 11 points. The mean knowledge scores of the respondents by level of education were: primary (9.1±1.2) secondary (8.6±1.6) and tertiary (8.8±1.7). Majority (62.9%) of them were aware that safety belt should be fastened before turning on the ignition key. The main sources of information on safety belt use included radio (38.1%), law enforcement agents (28.2%) and television (12.9%). Respondents had positive attitude towards the use of safety belt as 86.6% agreed that safety belt should always be fastened while driving. All the respondents had used safety belt. Sixty one percent of the respondents use safety belt occasionally while 38.6% used it regularly. Among the regular safety belt users, the prevalence of use by level of education which was not significantly different were: primary (23.8%). secondary (13.4%). Tertiary (1.5%). There was a statistical significant difference between respondents attitude and some demographic characteristics (age, year of experience and education) p<0.05. The main factors which influenced respondents' safety belt use included fear of law enforcement agents (22.9%), distant trip (17.8%), fear of boss (7.3%), life-saving effect of safety belt (6.8%) and influence of other safety belt users (2.3%). Factors which inhibit safety belt use among them included being on short distance trips (32.5%), forgetfulness(24.6%) and when driving within the campus (12.3%). The key informats were unanimous in saying that there was no policy on mandatory use of safty belts within the campus. The high level of awareness about use of safety belt among drivers has not translated to regular use of the technology among the drivers. Health education strategies such as counseling and public enlightenment are needed to address the problem.