Prevalence And Factors Associated With Commercial Motorcycle Accidents In Embu County, Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the causal factors associated with commercial motorcycle accidents in Embu Town, Embu County. Methodology: A prospective cohort study design was employed to assess commercial motorcycle riders in Embu town. Baseline data were collected among 200 commercial motorcycle riders who were then followed up for three months. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered weekly to capture risk factors for motorcycle accidents. Participants were censored when they got involved in an accident. Data were entered into excel and imported to SPSS software version 24 for analysis. Descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation and percentage of sociodemographic characteristics and motorcycle accidents were calculated. Bivariate analysis was conducted to determine factors that influence commercial motorcycle accidents. All variables significant at bivariate level were included in logistic regression model. All tests were significant at P< 0.05. Findings: A total of 48 (24%) commercial motorcyclists were involved in road accident during the three months of the study. Factors independently associated with accidents among motorcyclists were use of alcohol (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.220-0.915, P=0.028), use of khat (OR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.193-0.749, P=0.005), driven the motorcycle under alcohol influence (OR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.106-0.520, P<0.001) and riding while chewing khat (OR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.229-0.951, P=0.036). Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The findings will assist in developing feasible interventions to reduce the increasing road accidents related to motorcycle accidents both in the study area and in other areas. Therefore, there is need to have interventions programs addressing dangers of using alcohol and khat among riders.