Behavioral and Non-Behavioral Correlates of Seat Belt Usage among Bus Passengers in Iran

Aims: Despite evidence supporting the protective effect of seat belts, compliance with seat belt use during bus travel remains understudied, particularly in Iran. This study aimed to identify predictors of seat belt use among intercity bus passengers. Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with ۴۴۸ passengers recruited from intercity bus terminals in Tehran using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected through a validated ۵۷-item questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine predictors of seatbelt non-use across three models incorporating behavioral, demographic, and background variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS ۱۶. Findings: Only ۲۴% of passengers consistently used seatbelts. In the final logistic regression model, significant predictors of seatbelt non-use included perceived barriers (OR=۱.۰۸; p=۰.۰۰۳), low supervision (OR=۱.۱۳; p=۰.۰۴), health locus of control (OR=۱.۱۸; p=۰.۰۵), and poor law adherence (OR=۲.۶; p<۰.۰۰۱). Conversely, subjective norms (OR=۰.۷۵; p<۰.۰۰۱) and environmental factors (OR=۰.۸۲; p=۰.۰۲) were associated with higher seatbelt use. The model demonstrated acceptable goodness of fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow p=۰.۰۸) and good discrimination (area under the curve=۰.۷۸; ۹۵%CI: ۰.۷۴-۰.۸۷). Conclusion: Seatbelt use among intercity bus passengers in Iran is low and externally motivated.

کلیدواژه ها:

Seat Belt ، Behavioral Risk Factors ، Transportation ، Passenger