واکاوی دلایل استفاده نکردن از کلاه ایمنی در میان موتورسواران شهر گرگان به روش تحلیل مضمون (مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)
درجه علمی: نشریه علمی (وزارت علوم)
آرشیو
چکیده
محبوبیت موتورسیکلت به خصوص در میان جوانان، اهمیت ایمنی این وسیلیه نقلیه و پیامدهای ناشی از رعایت نکردن موارد مرتبط با ایمنی به ویژه استفاده از کلاه ایمنی را پررنگ کرده است. هدف از این پژوهش، شناسایی دلایل استفاده نکردن از کلاه ایمنی توسط راکبان موتورسیکلت در شهر گرگان است. این مطالعه با رویکرد کیفی و در قالب روش تحلیل مضمون انجام شده است. جامعیه آماری پژوهش، موتورسواران شهر گرگان هستند که با استفاده از روش های نمونه گیری هدفمند و نظری انتخاب شده اند. داده های پژوهش حاصل پانزده مصاحبیه نیمه ساخت یافته است که تا رسیدن به اشباع نظری ادامه پیدا کرده است. یافته های پژوهش در قالب شش مضمون اصلی استخراج شده است؛ این شش مضمون عبارت اند از: هنجارهای ذهنی با دو مضمون فرعی برچسب زنی و تحقیر و تمسخر، محدودیت های ایجاد شده توسط کلاه ایمنی در قالب سه مضمون فرعی محدودیت های ظاهری، فیزیکی و ایمنی، منش موتورسواری شامل دو مضمون فرعی آموزش ناکافی و عادت های رفتاری، فقدان اعتماد نهادی با سه مضمون فرعی اعتمادنداشتن به قانونگذار، مجریان قانون و سازوکار اجرای قوانین، خوداستثناپنداری شامل دو مضمون فرعی تقلیل خطر و فقدان تجربیه مستقیم خطر و احساس عاملیت همراه با دو مضمون فرعی خودابرازی و ابرازتوانمندی.Thematic Analysis of Factors Influencing Helmet Non-Use among Motorcyclists in Gorgan
Introduction
In today's world, urban expansion and evolving lifestyles have accelerated the pace of life, making efficiency increasingly important. With population growth and these changes, the use of motorcycles has surged, particularly in the northern provinces of the country, including Golestan Province. This rise can be attributed to the compact size of motorcycles and their affordability, lower fuel consumption, and ease of navigation through traffic. However, this growth in motorcycle usage has not always been matched by adequate social and cultural infrastructure, leading to issues reflected in traffic behavior. The popularity of motorcycles, especially among young people, underscores the critical importance of safety when riding. This study aimed to explore the social and cultural factors contributing to the reluctance to wear helmets. Understanding these aspects is essential for developing effective policies and interventions to enhance safety and compliance.
Materials & Methods
This research employed a qualitative approach utilizing thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 motorcyclists in Gorgan City. Data analysis was conducted using the Depoy and Gitlin method. The validity and reliability of the study were ensured through auditing techniques and analytical comparisons. Ethical considerations were meticulously addressed throughout the research process.
Discussion of Results & Conclusion
The findings revealed 6 key themes: mental norms, creation of restrictions, motorcycling habitus, lack of institutional trust, self-exceptionalism, and a sense of agency. These socio-cultural factors significantly influenced the decision not to wear helmets. The primary reason for not wearing helmets was the mental norms prevalent among motorcyclists, who often chose to ride without helmets to avoid being labeled, humiliated, or ridiculed. Additionally, the perceived limitations associated with helmet use—related to design, aesthetics, comfort, and safety—further contributed to this behavior. Another factor was the motorcycling habitus, which, due to insufficient training, fostered a negative attitude towards helmet use. A lack of trust in legislative institutions, law enforcement, and enforcement mechanisms was also a significant barrier to helmet compliance. In a stable social system, laws are expected to be upheld and individuals generally adhere to them. However, the inconsistent application of laws and existing legal loopholes regarding motorcyclist violations had led to diminished respect for the law, allowing personal decisions to override legal mandates. This erosion of legitimacy further undermined the credibility of laws and legislators. Moreover, a sense of agency and empowerment in controlling their environment had driven some motorcyclists to forgo helmets as they sought to express their skills and individuality in this manner.
Based on these findings, developing a comprehensive program to increase helmet use in Gorgan and other areas with high motorcycle usage could be highly effective. This program informed by the results of this research and studies from various countries consisted of 8 key steps:
Public awareness and education
Community engagement through awareness campaigns
Improving accessibility and affordability of helmets, including the establishment of manufacturing facilities and development of safety standards
Commercial marketing of helmets
Promotion and endorsement of helmet use by influential public figures
Incentive policies (both internal and external) from governmental and private sectors to encourage helmet use and adherence to safety standards
Consistent and effective enforcement of helmet laws
Ongoing research, monitoring, and evaluation of helmet use initiatives.
Implementing this comprehensive program could significantly enhance helmet adoption and improve safety among motorcyclists.
Acknowledgment
This article was derived from a research project titled "Investigating the Reasons for Non-Use of Helmets among Motorcyclists in Gorgan City and Providing Practical Solutions to Increase Their Use", which was commissioned and financially supported by Golestan Province Government. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them and all participants, who contributed to this research.