Motorcycle Helmets in Vietnam: Ownership, Quality, Purchase Price, and Affordability

Abstract

Objectives. This study investigated motorcycle helmet ownership, quality, purchase price, and affordability in Vietnam.

Method. A random sample of motorcyclists was interviewed to investigate aspects of helmet ownership, the purchase price, and affordability of a motorcycle helmet. Multivariate modeling conducted to determine factors associated with the purchase price and affordability of motorcycle helmets. Helmet quality was assessed based on current legal requirements in Vietnam.

Results. The prevalence of helmet use in Vietnam remains low (23.3%) despite a high level of helmet ownership (94%), indicating that this is an important area for public health intervention. Overall the quality of helmets appeared to be good; however, few helmets displayed legally required information. Motorcyclists with a high income purchase more helmets for their household rather than more expensive helmets.

Conclusion. To ensure that helmets are accessible to the community, policy-makers need to consider pricing motorcycle helmets at a price indicated by the results of this study. Prior to universal motorcycle helmet legislation, the government will also need to ensure that standard helmets are available and that enforcement is at a level to ensure that motorcycle helmets are actually used.

Keywords:

• Motorcycle
• Injury
• Helmet
• Price
• Affordability
• Vietnam

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We acknowledge with thanks the Hai Duong's Provincial Health Service and Hai Duong's Department of Transportation, Hai Duong's Provincial Department of Fire Control, and the Division of Urban Administration of Hai Duong City People Committee for providing road data, maps, legislative documents, and lists of petrol stations. Dang Viet Hung is funded by an AusAID (Australian Agency for International Development) Doctoral Scholarship and financial assistance for this project was provided by the George Institute for International Health.

The authors thank Nguyen Thanh Tu and Pham Thu Ha—the trained observers who spent countless time on roads to conduct observations and interviews. We also thank Nguyen Thanh Cong, Director of Hai Duong Provincial Health Service for support.

Notes

∗The purchase prices were standardized to 2004 monetary values.

∗∗The number of motorcyclists reported to have purchased a helmet since 1995 to the date of the survey.

∗∗∗Total surveyed motorcyclists.