In Uganda, motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users contributing 41% of all road traffic injuries. Most motorcycle riders know that they should wear helmets for their safety but are reluctant to use them which increase the occurrence of severe head injuries. The purpose of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of commercial motorcyclists towards prevention of head injuries in Kabalagala, Kampala District. The study used a cross sectional descriptive study design that employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. A sample size of 48 respondents who were selected using a simple random method was used. Both an interview guide and checklists were used to obtained data from respondents. The study results showed that respondents were knowledgeable about head injuries i.e. 39(82.2%) had an idea about head injuries, 26(54.2%) knew full face helmets as type of helmets and 25(52.1%) knew that a good helmet should be hard. Negative attitudes were identified with 22(45.8%) agreed that helmets should always be worn by beginners, 35(72.9%) felt uncomfortable to wear a helmet, 44(91.7%) agreed that helmets are hot and 38(79.2%) agreed that helmet is heavy. Regarding practices, 25(52.1%) lacked ownership of the helmet, 41(85.4%) did not have passenger helmets and, 27(56.2%) did not constantly used helmets. The study concluded that respondents were knowledge about prevention of head injuries while using the helmet although they had negative attitude and unsatisfactory practices of helmet use. The study therefore recommended that efforts by responsible authority to enforce and sensitize cyclists about helmets in prevention of health injuries should be implemented to address the problem.

show more