Helmet use of adolescents at Aberdeen Hall in Kelowna, Canada

• Published in: International journal of child health and human development Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 27 - 30
• Main Authors: Chow, Ronald, Borean, Michael, Hollenberg, Drew, Viehweger, Jaclyn, Hesse, Jerry
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hauppauge Nova Science Publishers, Inc 01.01.2019
• Subjects: Adolescents; Bicycling; Helmets; Legislation; Students; Studies; Teenagers; Kelowna British Columbia Canada
• ISSN: 1939-5965; 2374-085X

When comparing the helmet use rates of secondary schools in Toronto and Ottawa, there exists variation in the helmet-use rates and variation in frequency of cycling. It seems that different geographical regions have adolescents with different biking practices. The aim of this survey study was to investigate the biking practices of adolescents in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. The primary objectives of the survey were to determine 1) the percentage of cyclists at the school and 2) among those cyclists, the percentage who frequently wear a helmet. The secondary objective of the questionnaire was to determine the reasoning or motive of those who do not wear helmets, and subsequently gauge the students' knowledge on legislation around helmet-use. The questionnaire was anonymous, and students were strongly encouraged during school-allotted time to complete the survey. This study suggests that there does not exist a negative correlation with respect to age and helmet use, among the adolescent population in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. However, the small sample size limited statistical power and hence results should be interpreted with caution. Follow-up studies should be carried out before any action were to be taken in response to the results contained herein. Nevertheless, the data does show that there is room for improvement with respect to helmet-use; educational/ encouragement programs could be designed to hopefully encourage more regular helmet-use.