A Comparison of Motorcycle Helmet Wearing Intention and Behavior between Urban and Rural Areas

Sajjakaj Jomnonkwao, Duangdao Watthanaklang, Onanong Sangphong, Thanapong Champahom, Napat Laddawan, Savalee Uttra and Vatanavongs Ratanavaraha
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Sajjakaj Jomnonkwao: School of Transportation Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Duangdao Watthanaklang: Department of Construction Technology, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Onanong Sangphong: Department of Construction Technology, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Thanapong Champahom: School of Transportation Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Napat Laddawan: School of Transportation Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Savalee Uttra: School of Transportation Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Vatanavongs Ratanavaraha: School of Transportation Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 20, 1-16

Abstract: The motorcycle is one of the important modes of transport for Thai people in all provinces due to its convenience and ability to access all areas and cover short distances, which is especially convenient for rural people. However, according to the accident record, it was found that the motorcycle was the vehicle causing the highest amount of accidents, and helmet wearing could save lives and reduce the level of severe injuries. In this regard, the objective of this study was to study and develop a model of factors that affected helmet use behavior using structural equation modeling (SEM) based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Further, this study compared urban and rural models, so as to suggest suitable guidelines for the promotion of helmet use in the study areas. The sample comprised 801 motorcycle users divided into 401 urban residents and 400 rural residents. From the parameter invariance testing in the two areas, a chi-square difference test found differences in the factor loading, intercepts, and structural paths between urban and rural societies.

Keywords: helmet wearing intention and behavior; health belief model; structural equation modeling; multigroup analysis; promotion of helmet use (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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