120 Risky road-use behaviour among students at the University of Benha, Egypt

Abstract

Road traffic injuries constitute 45% of deaths due to injury in Egypt. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify and investigate risky behaviours regarding road use among university students in Benha. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 953 students. Of the respondents 19.3% reported not complying with pedestrian road traffic safety rules, while among drivers, 39.4% had no driving licence, 44.5% did not use a seat-belt and 63.5% exceeded the legal speed limits. In binary logistic regression analysis, substance use (OR 18.3; 95% CI: 9.10-23.3) and having peers with similar behaviours (OR 2.53; 96% CI: 1.15-5.55) were significant predictors of not following road traffic safety rules as a pedestrian. Exceeding the legal traffic speed limits as a driver was significantly associated with male sex (OR 5.13; 95% CI: 1.98-13.3), peer pressure (OR 8.70; 95% CI: 3.90-17.1) and substance use (OR 3.30; 95% CI: 1.58-13.7). Unsafe road-use behaviours that may cause unintentional injuries are prevalent among University of Benha students. Health education sessions and training courses for students on appropriate road behaviours may be warranted. Abstract available from the publisher. Abstract available from the publisher.