Motorcycles are an important form of transportation in Uganda, and are involved in more road traffic injuries than any other vehicle. The majority of motorcycles in Uganda are used as motorcycle taxis, better known locally as boda bodas. Research shows that a motorcycle helmet is effective at reducing a rider's risk of death and head injury. As part of the Uganda Helmet Vaccine Initiative (UHVI), researchers collected baseline and formative evaluation data on boda boda operators' helmet attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to inform UHVI activities. Researchers collected data on motorcycle helmet-related attitudes and beliefs through focus group discussions and structured roadside interviews, and researchers conducted roadside observations to collect data on helmet-wearing behaviors. Of the 12,189 motorcycle operators and passengers observed during roadside observations, 30.8% of drivers and <1% of passengers were wearing helmets. The most commonly reported helmet-wearing barriers from the focus group discussions and structured roadside interviews were: (1) 'Helmet is uncomfortable', (2) 'Helmet is too hot', (3) 'Helmet is too expensive', and (4) 'Helmet is of low quality'. Researchers incorporated findings from the formative research into the UHVI campaign to increase motorcycle helmet use. Radio messages addressing helmet comfort and cost were widely aired throughout Kampala, Uganda. In addition, campaign staff held nine boda boda operator workshops, covering approximately 900 operators, in which the facilitator addressed barriers and facilitators to helmet use. Each workshop participant received a high-quality tropical motorcycle helmet. UHVI will continue to use a data-driven approach to future campaign activities.
IntroductionThere have been numerous media reports on school fires in Uganda. In April 2008, a primary school dormitory caught fire and 20 children burnt to death. This incident increased public interest. One year later, an assessment on school preparedness was performed.Methods50 schools (day and boarding) were randomly chosen and stratified by level of education (20 primary, 20 secondary, 10 post secondary) in the five divisions of Kampala. A questionnaire was administered to key informants who were school teachers. Trained research assistants assessed training, fire equipment and the school environment. Direct observation was done. Frequency analysis was done.ResultsSchools (72%) were government owned with 92% mixed students. Schools (50%) had ever been trained on fire safety. Schools (19%) had trained before the incident. Fire extinguishers usage, fire fighting and causes of fires were part of training course. There was no formal training curriculum in schools. Training lasted from a minimum of 1 h to maximum of 1 week. 73% of teachers trained passed on the knowledge to their students. 60% of schools had persons in charge of fires. 84% of schools had no fire safety plans in place. 34% of schools had fire assemblies. 68% had fire extinguishers that were installed after the incident. 8% had fire alarm system in place. 68% had fire exits or escapes. 18% of schools had history of fires. Five schools had fire outbreaks in dormitories and received no help from fire brigade. 66% of schools had kitchen 1–60 m away from dormitories and classrooms. 22% of schools use paraffin lamps as alternative source of lighting when electricity is cut.Discussion and conclusionMajority of Ugandan schools are not prepared to deal with fires. Fire safety policies and standards should be addressed by the Ministry of Education and School Management.
Introduction Burns are one of the most devastating household injury. In Uganda, burn injuries account for 11% of all childhood injuries. The study objective was to determine demographic characteristics, severity, first aid treatment and outcomes of childhood burns in Uganda. Methods Secondary analysis of hospital surveillance data from five representative regional hospitals was done. Data were collected over 12 months (August 2004 to July 2005). Individuals (0–16 years) were included over a 12 months period. A registry form was filled by trained health workers at emergency units. Frequency analysis was done. Results 380 children were included with the central region registered more patients (44%). Five and under patients constituted 45%. Ratio of male to female was 1.3:1. Over 50% of patients had a serious injury. 88% of the children burned in their own homes in spite of a adult presence (83%). Majority of the children (54%) were burned while playing. 16% of burn injuries were reported intentional. Scalding by hot fluids (73%) was the common cause of burn injury. Over 50% of the patients were reported with serious injuries on upper extremities. Over 70% of children were given incorrect first aid treatment at home while others received none. 55.8% patients were discharged home by 2 weeks. Discussion and Conclusions Burn injuries mainly affects children 5 years and under. Home-based prevention can reduce burn injuries in that age group. The intent behind burn injuries requires further investigation.
Pedestrian injury rates differed significantly between different data sources. Users must be aware of the different target populations, definitions, and limitations of the data sources before direct comparisons are made. Injury reports by volunteer teachers may be a feasible source of injury data in other low/middle-income countries.
BackgroundThe use of motorcycles for commercial transport of passengers (motorcycle taxis) is a growing industry in Uganda. Current observations indicate poor compliance with the motorcycle helmet law by riders. To address this concern, a motorcycle helmet campaign was initiated in Kampala, Uganda. The first step of this campaign was to establish the prevalence of helmet use and reasons for non-use among motorcycle taxi operators (ie, boda boda riders) in order to inform campaign activities.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of helmet use and reasons for non-use among boda boda riders in Kampala, Uganda.MethodsCommunity data collection from boda boda riders involved three processes: observational helmet use surveys, structured interviews, and focus group discussions.ResultsPrevalence of observed helmet use was 30.5% (95% CI 29.5% to 31.6%) among boda boda riders in Kampala. The majority of boda boda riders (71.1%) reported they had helmets available for their own use. Reported barriers to helmet use included helmets being uncomfortable, too heavy, and too expensive. In addition, focus group discussions revealed that many boda boda riders did not wear helmets due to helmet quality issues. While 55% of boda boda riders knew there was a motorcycle helmet law in Kampala, more than half (56.2%) reported that they had been stopped by police for not wearing a helmet.SignificanceResearch on prevalence of helmet use, enforcement, and barriers for non-use can inform interventions related to helmet distribution, public education, and enforcement efforts to increase helmet use among boda boda riders.
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