Prevalencia del uso de equipos de protección individual y accidentes en usuarios de bicicletas en São Paulo

Abstract

Introduction : Bikes are a popular means of transportation that brings health benefits when used regularly. However, accidents occurring in the users of this means of transport are frequent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of accidents and the use of Personal protective equipment (PPE) in bicycle users in Sao Paulo (Brazil) through the forms. In addition, the population studied was oriented to the importance of the use of PPE. Materials and methods: Cyclists from different regions of Sao Paulo responded to the form on the PPE and in the end were oriented on the correct use of the PPE. Results : The total sample was 608 people, evaluated and interviewed (210 women and 398 men). The highest percentage of respondents was 20-40 years. The most used PPE were helmet, tennis and pedal signaling. 48 % of respondents said they had already suffered an accident with this means of transport. Most of the accidents occurred in leisure times, during the mornings of sunny days. 69.5 % of respondents heard the guidelines on the correct use of PPE. Conclusions : Most cyclists in the city of Sao Paulo are young, male and do not use the PPE. The accidents suffered, using as a means of transport the bicycle, reported by the reporting population, were not related to the weather conditions, nor with the consumption of alcohol. In this study it was observed that only cyclists who were already using PPE were interested in the guidelines on their importance and correct use.