Behavior and Non-Behavior Predictors of Seat Belt Use amongst Iranian Bus Passengers

Abstract

Background: No behavior as much as the use of a seatbelt affects the reduction of the severity of injuries caused by driving accidents. So far, there has not been sufficient evidence of predictive factors regarding the use of seatbelts in bus passengers. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of seatbelt use in passengers of intercity buses. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 458 passengers of intercity bus terminals participated. The sampling method was multistage in this study. To collect data, a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed was used. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 and logistic regression test. Results: The study population included 47% of men and 53% of women with an average age of 28.35 ± 6.1. Police stations, high bus speeds, night, and inappropriate weather conditions were among the situations in which the use of a seatbelts was more on the bus. The results of the logistic regression test in the third model showed that perceived barriers, law and supervision, subjective norms, environment, and bus type predict the use of seat belts significantly (P <0.000). Conclusions: It seems that in addition to interventions designed to increase the knowledge and attitude of passengers and enhance the use of seatbelts on the bus, a special look is also needed at important people who influence the behavior of the people (subjective norms).