A comparison of motorcycle helmet wearing intention and behavior between urban and rural areas

Abstract

The motorcycle is one of the important modes of transport for Thai people in all provinces due to its convenience and ability to access all areas and cover short distances, which is especially convenient for rural people. However, according to the accident record, it was found that the motorcycle was the vehicle causing the highest amount of accidents, and helmet wearing could save lives and reduce the level of severe injuries. In this regard, the objective of this study was to study and develop a model of factors that affected helmet use behavior using structural equation modeling (SEM) based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Further, this study compared urban and rural models, so as to suggest suitable guidelines for the promotion of helmet use in the study areas. The sample comprised 801 motorcycle users divided into 401 urban residents and 400 rural residents. From the parameter invariance testing in the two areas, a chi-square difference test found differences in the factor loading, intercepts, and structural paths between urban and rural societies.