Factors affecting self-reported use of seat belt among commercial vehicle drivers in Gusau metropolis Zamfara State North-western Nigeria

Optimal and adequate prevention of road traffic injuries in developing countries has been hampered by limitations of knowledge and poor attitude towards use of cost effective safety and preventive measures like the seat belt. The objective of the study was to determine the level of self-reported use of seat belt and the factors affecting it among commercial motor vehicle drivers. The study was cross-sectional descriptive, data was obtained using interviewer-administered, structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Knowledge of seat belt was low, (11%), more than half (55.3%) admitted that use of seat belts prevents ejection of vehicle occupants. Less than half (47%) reported use of seat belt always. Age and educational level were significantly associated with use of seat belts (p < 0.0001), (p = 0.009). There is sub-optimal knowledge of the importance of seat belts coupled with low level of use. Innovative public health education approaches with enforcement could mitigate the low level of use.