The objective of this study was to explore the behavioral factors that determine whether children (aged 7 to 13 years) wear bicycle safety helmets. Questionnaires were held at three dutch primary schools in Breda, Maastricht, and Terneuzen to gather information on experiences with the bicycle safety helmet. Wearing a bicycle safety helmet was described as inconvenient, time-consuming, and uncomfortable. Children also perceived negative reactions from their social environment. Planned health promotion activities will be essential for the introduction of bicycle safety helmets to be succesful. These activities should focus particularly on developing a comfortable bicycle safety helmet, creating facilities to store bicycle helmets, and changing negative social norms regarding wearing a bicycle safety helmet. (Author/publisher)
Abstract