Introduction: We examined the effect of bicycle helmet fit and position on head and facial injuries. Methods: Cases were helmeted cyclists with a head (n=297) or facial (n=289) injury. Controls were helmeted cyclists with other injuries, excluding the neck. Participants were interviewed in seven Alberta emergency departments or by telephone; injury data were collected from charts. Missing values were imputed using chained equations and custom prediction imputation models. Results: Compared with excellent helmet fit, those with poor fit had increased odds of head injury (odds ratio [OR] = 3.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-10.74). Compared with a helmet that stayed centred, those whose helmet tilted back (OR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.54-5.47), shifted (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.01-3.63) or came off (OR = 6.72, 95% CI: 2.86-15.82) had higher odds of head injury. A helmet that tilted back (OR = 4.81, 95% CI: 2.74-8.46), shifted (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.04-3.19) or came off (OR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.24-8.85) also increased the odds of facial injury. Conclusion: Our findings have implications for consumer and retail education programs.
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CITATION STYLE
Romanow, N. R., Hagel, B. E., Williamson, J., & Rowe, B. H. (2014). Cyclist head and facial injury risk in relation to helmet fit: A case-control study. Chronic Diseases and Injuries in Canada, 34(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.34.1.01