Factors Influencing Equestrian Helmet Use, Purchase and Safety Perceptions: A Cross-sectional Study
Date
Authors
Gosbee, H
Hume, PA
Theadom, A
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Objective Helmets play a critical role in preventing and reducing the severity of head injuries in high-risk sports. Understanding the factors influencing equestrian helmet use and safety perceptions is needed to optimise injury prevention strategies. Methods In this cross-sectional study of 596 equestrian participants aged ≥12 years, we assessed helmet use, factors influencing helmet purchase decisions, and perceptions of helmet safety. Chi square tests and regression models examined differences by age, professional status, jumping versus non-jumping disciplines and concussion history. Results Helmet use whilst riding was high (96 % participants). A high proportion of helmets used for competition (97 %) met at least one safety standard, however this was lower for recreational use (65 %). Younger equestrians (aged 12-44 years) and those who had not experienced a concussion were more likely to rank price as the most important factor for helmet purchase decision making. There were no differences by jumping or non-jumping equestrian disciplines or professional status. Older age and being female were independently linked with higher perceptions of helmet safety in the regression model (p = 0.01). Conclusion Safety messages need to focus on improving understanding of helmet standards and the reasoning behind safety recommendations to help reduce the injury risk in equestrian sports, particularly targeting adolescents/young adults.Description
Keywords
Awareness, Brain injury, Concussion, Equestrian, Helmets, 4206 Public Health, 42 Health Sciences, Pediatric Research Initiative, Prevention, Unintentional Childhood Injury, Physical Injury - Accidents and Adverse Effects, Childhood Injury, 3 Good Health and Well Being, 1103 Clinical Sciences, 1110 Nursing, 1117 Public Health and Health Services, Orthopedics, 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences, 3202 Clinical sciences, 3203 Dentistry, 42 Health sciences
Source
Injury, ISSN: 0020-1383 (Print); 1879-0267 (Online), Elsevier, 57(5), 112907-. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112907
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© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. Note: This article is available under the Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND license and permits non-commercial use of the work as published, without adaptation or alteration provided the work is fully attributed.