Risk factors for motorcycle crash related road traffic injuries among commercial motorcyclists in Kampala district, Uganda: a case-control study

Abstract

Introduction and background: In Uganda, road traffic injuries (RTIs) are responsible for about 44% of all cases of injuries, with about 41% of the RTIs resulting from motorcycle-related road crashes. This study was conducted to identify risk factors for motorcycle crash related RTIs among commercial motorcyclists in Kampala district, Uganda. Methodology: A case-control study of 102 cases (riders aged ≥18 years with RTIs sustained while riding) and 204 controls (riders without RTIs in the preceding 12months to the study) was conducted between April and June, 2012. Face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire were administered to cases and controls. Six Key informant interviews (KIIs) and four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted and data collected analysed using manifest content analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis using StataTM/SE 11.0 was done to determine predictors of motorcycle crash related RTIs. Results: In the multivariable model, self reported use of daytime headlight (AOR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15-0.65), change of motorcycle in the previous one year (AOR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08-0.53), secondary (AOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.17-0.81) or tertiary (AOR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05-0.84) education compared to primary, and a riding experience of >2-5 or >5 years (AOR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07-0.77 and AOR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.10-0.66 respectively) compared to ≤2 years were significantly associated with reduced odds of having motorcycle crash related RTIs. Age of 25-29 years (AOR, 4.47; 95% CI, 1.28-15.62) compared to 20-24 years and being trained by a friend (AOR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.05-5.50) or other trainers (AOR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.02-7.89) to ride a motorcycle compared to training done in a riding school increased the odds of having motorcycle crash related RTIs. Conclusion: Daytime headlight operation, post-primary education and riding experience of >2 years were protective against motorcycle crash RTIs. However, being trained by friend or other trainers on how to ride and young age (25-29 years) increased the risk of getting RTIs.