Helmet ownership and use among skateboarders: Utilisation of the Health Belief Model

Abstract

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of skateboarders who owned and who wore a helmet and which constructs from the Health Belief Model predicted helmet ownership and helmet use among undergraduate skateboarders.

Methods:

From March 2013 through March 2014, 83 skateboarders completed a helmet attitude and use survey.

Results:

Among participants, 47% owned a helmet while 18% wore a helmet on their most recent ride. Skateboarders who did not own a helmet were compared to skateboarders who owned a helmet but did not wear it and to skateboarders who wore a helmet. Positive trends for emotional benefits, friends and family cues to action and parental rules cues to action were observed. A negative trend for vanity and discomfort barriers was observed. Friends and family cues to action, parental rules cues to action and lower perceived danger were associated with helmet ownership. Friends and family cues to action were associated with helmet use.

Conclusion:

The findings are consistent with the thrill seeking culture of skateboarding. Implications for interventions to increase helmet use among undergraduate skateboarders are discussed.