Risk-Taking Behaviour among Commercial Motorcycle Taxi [Okada] Riders in a Semi-Rural Area of Bayelsa State
Journal Title: International Journal of Health Sciences and Research - Year 2017, Vol 7, Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Commercial motorcycle taxis [Okada] have become an increasingly important mode of transportation in most Nigerian towns and villages due to the lack of proper road infrastructure and poor state of transportation. Road Traffic Accidents [RTA] by Okada riders have now been recognized as a public health issue. This investigation aims to identify factors that predict persistent risky riding behaviours among Okada riders. The classification of behavioral factors promoting RTAs can assist in the conceptualization of the problem and may also contribute to behaviour modification-based efforts. Methods: Using questionnaires examining risk-taking behaviour, we interviewed 403 Okada riders in Yenagoa and Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa in South-Southern Nigeria. The mean age of the riders was 29.32±7.1 years [range= 17-55]. All were males. The greater majority [57%] were married. They had been riding Okada for a mean of 3.5±3.5 years [Range= 1-30]. The mean number of accidents per rider was 1.1±2.5 [Range=0-8]. Results: Amongst Okada riders, significant relationships were present between previous RTA and speeding [X2 =168.425, df=3, p=0.000], number of passengers carried [X2= 201.8, df=3, p=0.000], frequency of alcohol intake [X2= 11.3, df=3, p=0.010], smoking of tobacco [X2= 5.55, df=1, p=0.019], wearing of reflective jackets [X2=5.396, df=1, p=0.020], wearing of eye protection goggles or visors [X2=7.97, df=1, p=0.005], getting angry easily [X2=10.65, df=4, p=0.031], dislike for women motorists [X2=15.44, df=4, p=0.004]. Binary logistic regression using previous accident as the dependent variable and factors involved in risk-taking behavior as independent variables was able to predict RTA proneness in 84.6% of cases. Conclusion: Amongst Okada riders, significant relationships were present between previous RTA and speeding, number of passengers carried, frequency of alcohol intake, smoking of tobacco, wearing of reflective jackets, wearing of eye protection goggles or visors, getting angry easily, and dislike for women motorists. RTB alone was able to predict RTA proneness among Okada riders in 84.6% of cases indicating that other factors are also involved. These factors should be incorporated into programmes aimed at reducing risky riding behaviour.
Authors and Affiliations
O. A. Osinowo
Keywords
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