Helmets for snow sports in Australia: prevalence, predictors, recent trends and attitudes of use

Abstract

BackgroundTraumatic head injury is the leading cause of mortality and serious morbidity in snow sports and is increasing in incidence. Helmet use in snow sports can reduce incidence of head injury by up to 60%. Mandatory helmet use is not legislated in recreational settings for snow sports. This study aimed to quantify prevalence and trends of helmet use by skiers and snowboarders as well as investigate predictors of helmet use and reasons why they are worn.MethodsA cross-sectional study including observation of skiers and snowboarders allocated to adult and child groups (5267), retrospective review of ski patrol accident report forms recorded between 2003 and 2008 (3984) and completion of a specially designed questionnaire by randomly approached snow sport participants (1029).ResultsIn 2008, 16% of adults and 67% of children wore helmets. Helmet use increased for adults and children between 2003 and 2008. Children, males and snowboarders were significantly more likely to wear a helmet than respective counterparts. Significant predictors of helmet use were level of experience, past major crash requiring medical assistance, snow sport lessons and location of activity. Key reasons for helmet use and disuse were identified.ConclusionsChild helmet use far exceeded adult helmet use. Rates of voluntary use are increasing but many remain unprotected from benefits of a helmet. Identification of those least likely to wear a helmet and their reasons for not doing so should allow targeted helmet promotion and injury prevention strategies to reduce serious head injuries in snow sports.

Recreational Snow-Sports Injury Risk Factors and Countermeasures: A Meta-Analysis Review and Haddon Matrix Evaluation

“…Snow sports injuries risk factors and countermeasures 9 Screening of a 45 minute educational video, on long haul bus trips specifically to ski slopes, was effective in reducing injury risk, collisions and falls, particularly in beginners [23]. Key messages covered in this video were basic skills and safety requirements, including binding checking and helmet use.…”

A study on the behavior intention of university students participating in winter sports

“…Existing studies have explored winter sports from the perspective of market segments [ 4 ], attitudes [ 5 ], loyalty [ 6 ], and market demand [ 7 ], while limited research has focused on behavioral intention. Besides, previous studies on consumers' behavioral intention have mainly focused on antecedents and consequences of behavioral intention [ [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] , [13] ]. In addition, previous research on winter sports did not pay much attention to the participants' experience perception but rather classified it under the same dimension as satisfaction [ [14] , [15] , [16] ], ignoring the degree of psychological immersion, thinking feedback ability, flow state, etc.…”