Applying the Health Belief Model to Michigan motorcyclist helmet use

<p>Helmets can offer significant injury protection to motorcyclists, yet usage is inconsistent across the United States. In 2012, the state of Michigan switched from a universal helmet law to partial helmet law. Michigan motorcyclists (<em>n</em> = 76) were recruited through two motorcycling events and two motorcycling social media pages to participate in an online survey that applied Health Belief Model constructs to examine attitudes and beliefs around the decision to wear or not wear a helmet. Significant differences in perceptions of Health Belief Model constructs were found between always-helmeted and not-always-helmeted respondents. Always-helmeted respondents reported significantly greater perceived susceptibility of injury, cited fewer barriers of helmet use, and identified more cues to action than not-always-helmeted respondents. This pilot study contributes to the body of research following the weakened helmet law in Michigan and offers a springboard for identifying perceptions of Michigan motorcyclists for future health messaging.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Promotion and Human Performance

Year dc:date.available

2017

Author dc:creator

• VanWormer, Emily Ann

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kathleen Conley, Ph.D, Chair
• Joan Cowdery, Ph.D
• Christopher Herman, Ph.D

• Head protective devices
• Health education
• Health promotion
• Motorcycles
• Pilot project
• Secondary prevention
• Medicine and Health Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/909

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2289