Factors Influencing Helmet-wearing Behavior among Motorcycle Riders at a Vocational College in Phayao Province

Abstract

This study aimed to examine factors influencing helmet-wearing behavior among vocational students in Phayao Province, Thailand. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 389 vocational students selected through cluster sampling from certificate and diploma levels. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), validated for content (IOC ≥ 0.5) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.86). Data were gathered during March–April 2025. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) were used to describe general characteristics, Pearson’s correlation to examine relationships among variables, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of helmet-wearing behavior. Results revealed that most participants were male (65.0%) and only 40.1% reported always wearing helmets. Significant positive predictors of helmet-wearing behavior included health motivation (β = 0.308, p < 0.001), perceived severity (β = 0.164, p = .039), and cues to action (β = 0.276, p < 0.001), while perceived barriers had a negative influence (β = –0.131, p = 0.011). The regression model explained 47.6% of the variance in helmet-wearing behavior (R² = 0.476). In conclusion, enhancing health motivation, increasing awareness of accident severity, and strengthening external cue such as family support and law enforcement are essential strategies to promote consistent helmet use among adolescents.