717 An evaluation of motorcycle helmet quality in Ghana: a case study from the Tamale Metropolitan area

Introduction Helmet use has been recognized as an effective measure to prevent head injury from motorcycle crashes. However, it is also well established that using poor-quality helmets reduces their effectiveness in preventing fatality and serious head injuries. In Ghana, it is mandated by law to wear a prescribed helmet when riding but the details of what a prescribed helmet is are not detailed in the Road Safety Act. The country does not have standards/guidelines for helmets, does not manufacture helmets and there are no regulations/guidelines on helmet importation. Hence, the study aimed to evaluate and generate evidence on the quality of motorcycle helmets and the need to develop standards and regulations for motor helmets in the country. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tamale Metropolis among motorcycle helmet users at randomly selected fuel stations and public places where motorcyclists stop. A standard helmet inspection and evaluation form was used to assess the helmets. The basic 8+2 photos were taken for further assessment. Data was analyzed descriptively in STATA 18 and results were presented in tables and charts. Results A total of 676 helmets were assessed in the Metropolis. Of these, the majority (86%) were open-face helmets, 6% full-face helmets, 5% module (chin bar flips up) and 3% half-face helmets. About 35% of the helmets were home goods at the time of purchase (thus, used helmets from foreign countries). 3.3% of the helmets had no shell, 4% had no energy absorbing layer, 7% had no comfort liner (while 15.5% of comfort liners had damage), and 13% had no retention system (12% damaged). With the presence of compulsory labelling, 79% had no name and address of the manufacturer, 76% had no size designation, 96% had no date of manufacture, and 90% had no certification sticker. Conclusion The majority of motorcycle helmets in the Metropolis are of poor quality/sub-standard because they have no certification on them and lack other indicators to assess their quality.