To Investigate the Influence of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on the Use of Protective Gears Among Boda-Boda Riders in Nakawa division.

Abstract

A study was undertaken to investigate the influence of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on use of protective gears among Boda-Boda riders. The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on use protective gears among Boda – Boda riders in Nakawa Division. The specific objectives of this study were; to determine the level of knowledge on the use protective gears among Boda –Boda riders in Nakawa Division; to assess the attitude of Boda – Boda riders operating in Nakawa Division on the use of protective gears; to determine the practices surrounding the use of protective gears among Boda – Boda riders in Nakawa Division.

Findings using a cross-sectional survey design in which questionnaires were administered to 384 Boda-Boda riders in Kampala’s Nakawa division established and concluded that majority of the Boda-Boda cyclists are aware about protective gadgets. Amongst the protective gadgets known include the helmet which is the most known protective gadget amongst the Boda-Boda cyclists, reflector jackets, protective boots and riding suits. The study found out that awareness about protective gadgets amongst Boda-Boda cyclists did not influence ownership of the protective gadgets; it positively influenced the extent to which the Boda-Boda riders wore protective gadgets when riding motorcycles. It also found out that most Boda-Boda riders had got a positive attitude towards protective gadgets that the majority are willing to wear them which attitude had significantly showed a positive sign on the use of protective gadgets in terms of owning and frequently wearing them. As well while majority Boda-Boda cyclists do not own their own protective gadgets, the few mostly have helmets, followed by eye goggles and reflector jackets amongst and during their work time most cyclists possess the helmet, followed by the reflector jackets and eye goggles with very few having protective boots, riding suits and hand gloves.

Based on the study findings the study recommended amongst others there is need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders be it government, none government and private initiatives or even individuals in first prioritizing imparting knowledge to the cyclists and the occupants on the merit of using protective gadgets while on Boda-Bodas and that government and non government organizations ought to strengthen sensitization efforts with emphasis on both the Boda-Boda operators with regard to using protective gadgets as a mitigation measure to prevent severe injuries, disabilities and deaths. Further areas of research is that there is need to investigate socio-economic effects impacted on families of Boda – Boda riders after they have sustained severe injuries or become disabled due to Road Traffic Accidents.