Suliman Alghnam1, Mohamad Alrowaily2, Mohamed Alkelya3, Ahmad Alsaif4, Faisal Almoaiqel4, Abdulaziz Aldegheishem5. 1. King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: Ghnams@ngha.med.sa. 2. King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 3. King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: KelyaM@ngha.med.sa. 4. King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 5. Traffic Safety Technologies Chair, Urban Planning Department, College of Architecture and Planning, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: aldeghei@ksu.edu.sa.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the third leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia. Numerous factors may increase the likelihood of RTIs. The prevalence of risk factors associated with RTIs may vary due to several reasons. Because little is known about these risk factors locally, we examined the prevalence of mobile phone and seatbelt use and their association with spatial locations. METHODS: This is an observational study conducted at major highways and inner intersections throughout Riyadh, the country's capital. Two observers captured seatbelt and mobile phone use among drivers. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the association between real estate prices and mobile phone or seatbelt use. Observations were categorized as taken place in an affluent neighborhood if the average price per square meter was above 2500 Saudi Riyal. RESULTS: A total of 1700 drivers were observed in 13 sites citywide. 13.8% of drivers were seen using mobile while driving and only a third of drivers (34%) were wearing seatbelts. Being at an affluent neighborhood was associated with close to three times higher odds of wearing seatbelts (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.9-3.7) and also associated with 42% lower odds of mobile phone use among drivers (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.36-0.92). DISCUSSION: This study found a high prevalence of traffic violations among drivers in Riyadh. Based on our estimate, 660,000 drivers are roaming the street during daytime while using their phones and they are less likely to wear seatbelts. Unfortunately, this estimate might contribute to increasing RTIs. Despite existing regulations, seatbelt use among drivers is significantly lower than in developed countries (i.e. USA 94%). CONCLUSION: Our study found a high prevalence of traffic violations represented by lack of compliance with seatbelt and mobile phone use laws. These findings provide a basis for their underlying prevalence in SA. Practical applications: Public health prevention programs may use these findings to facilitate support to increasing investment in awareness campaigns and further enforcement by the traffic police to reduce RITs and improve population health.
INTRODUCTION: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the third leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia. Numerous factors may increase the likelihood of RTIs. The prevalence of risk factors associated with RTIs may vary due to several reasons. Because little is known about these risk factors locally, we examined the prevalence of mobile phone and seatbelt use and their association with spatial locations. METHODS: This is an observational study conducted at major highways and inner intersections throughout Riyadh, the country's capital. Two observers captured seatbelt and mobile phone use among drivers. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the association between real estate prices and mobile phone or seatbelt use. Observations were categorized as taken place in an affluent neighborhood if the average price per square meter was above 2500 Saudi Riyal. RESULTS: A total of 1700 drivers were observed in 13 sites citywide. 13.8% of drivers were seen using mobile while driving and only a third of drivers (34%) were wearing seatbelts. Being at an affluent neighborhood was associated with close to three times higher odds of wearing seatbelts (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.9-3.7) and also associated with 42% lower odds of mobile phone use among drivers (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.36-0.92). DISCUSSION: This study found a high prevalence of traffic violations among drivers in Riyadh. Based on our estimate, 660,000 drivers are roaming the street during daytime while using their phones and they are less likely to wear seatbelts. Unfortunately, this estimate might contribute to increasing RTIs. Despite existing regulations, seatbelt use among drivers is significantly lower than in developed countries (i.e. USA 94%). CONCLUSION: Our study found a high prevalence of traffic violations represented by lack of compliance with seatbelt and mobile phone use laws. These findings provide a basis for their underlying prevalence in SA. Practical applications: Public health prevention programs may use these findings to facilitate support to increasing investment in awareness campaigns and further enforcement by the traffic police to reduce RITs and improve population health.
Authors: Suliman Alghnam; Jawaher Towhari; Mohamed Alkelya; Ahmad Alsaif; Mohamed Alrowaily; Fawaz Alrabeeah; Ibrahim Albabtain Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-07-29 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Arshad Jamal; Muhammad Tauhidur Rahman; Hassan M Al-Ahmadi; Umer Mansoor Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-12-24 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Suliman Alghnam; Mesnad Alyabsi; Alhanouf Aburas; Taif Alqahtani; Miasem Bajowaiber; Ali Alghamdi; Ada Alqunaibet Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2020-10-26