96 Examining the effectiveness of China’s helmet promotion campaign: a before-and-after study

Background

Helmet use is an effective intervention to reduce road traffic injuries among cyclists and motorcyclists.

Aims

Using a video-based before-and-after study, we evaluated the effectiveness of China’s helmet promotion campaign initiated on June 1, 2020.

Methods

Helmet wearing rate and correct helmet wearing rate, 95% confidence interval, and adjusted odds ratio were calculated to compare rate changes before and after the national campaign. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex, age group, weekday vs. weekend, time period, type of road user, shared vs. non-shared vehicle, and occupation.

Results

A total of 11,536 cyclists and motorcyclists were videotaped, 5256 (45.6%) during pre-campaign observations and 6280 (54.4%) post-campaign. The overall helmet wearing rate rose from 8.8% to 62.0% after implementation of the national campaign. The helmet wearing rate increased substantially for all subgroups following the campaign. In contrast, the overall and most subgroup rates of correct helmet use decreased significantly after implementing the campaign. Large differences existed across subgroups for helmet wearing rate and correct helmet wearing rate in both pre- and post-campaign observations. After implementing the campaign, the helmet wearing rate was highest among takeaway and express deliveryman (88.8%) and lowest among traditional bicyclists (3.8%); three-wheeled motorcyclists had the lowest rate of correct helmet use (58.8%).

Conclusion

China’s helmet promotion campaign was associated with a substantial increase in helmet wearing rate but didn’t improve correct helmet wearing rates.

Learning outcomes

Policymakers might consider amending the campaign somewhat to improve both the helmet wearing rate and the rate of correct helmet use.