This is a research conducted by Ambulai Johnson MSC, MPH, Faculty Research Associate at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Simon Patrick Obi, MPH, Researcher, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Banda A. Khalifa MD, MPH, MBA, Public health physician and PhD student at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, on balancing injury prevention and infection risk in helmet sharing. The researchers found out that though helmet use can prevent between 25% – 40% deaths from road traffic injuries, shared helmets can become vectors for a variety of infections. OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA brings excerpts.

 Helmets have long been recog­nized as a vital tool in the fight against head injuries, from bi­cycling, motorcycling to sports and construction work, helmets are fun­damental in preventing traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and fatalities.

The importance of helmet use is well-documented, with substantial evi­dence supporting their effectiveness in saving lives.

According to a study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, implementing proven road safety interventions, including helmet use, can prevent between 25% and 40% of all deaths from road traffic injuries worldwide. Specifically, increased mo­torcycle helmet use could prevent over 50,000 deaths per year.

Yet, despite helmets’ clear protective benefits, there is a growing concern about the potential public health risks associated with sharing helmets.

Due to economic constraints, helmet sharing is common in many low—and middle-income countries (LMICs), in­cluding those in Africa. This practice, however, can introduce significant health risks, particularly in the trans­mission of infectious microorganisms.

Shared helmets can become vectors for a variety of infections, including bac­terial infections such as methicillin-re­sistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), fungal infections like ringworm, and parasitic infestations such as head lice.

Research in Nepal revealed that shared helmets can harbor diverse mi­croorganisms, including drug-resistant bacteria.

A similarly study from Chennai, India, found that helmets used by multiple in­dividuals contained significant bacterial and fungal contamination levels. These studies underscore the importance of reg­ular disinfection to prevent the spread of infections through shared helmets.

In Lagos, Nigeria, researchers found that shared motorcycle helmets har­bored antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus an­thracis, and Escherichia coli.

This highlights the epidemiological significance of shared helmets as po­tential sources of antibiotic-resistant infections. These findings emphasize the urgent need for stringent hygiene prac­tices to protect users from health risks.

So, how do we balance the undeniable life-saving benefits of helmet use with the potential risks of infection from shared helmets?

The answer lays in implementing effective hygiene practices and effective public health interventions;

First, regular cleaning and disinfec­tion protocols for shared helmets are es­sential. Disinfectant sprays specifically designed for helmets have been shown to reduce bacterial colonies effectively.

In LMICs, where resources may be limited, adopting cost-effective and acces­sible hygiene solutions is vital. Regularly cleaning helmets with locally available disinfectants can significantly lower the risk of infection. Simple hygiene inter­ventions, such as regular cleaning with soap and water, have effectively reduced microbial presence on helmets in studies conducted in Nairobi, Kenya.

Secondly, disposable or personal helmet liners can significantly enhance hygiene by providing a barrier between the user’s head and the helmet. These liners can be easily replaced or washed, minimizing the risk of infection. En­couraging personal cloth coverings can be an effective alternative in settings where disposable liners may not be eco­nomically feasible.

Personal cloth coverings made from affordable, locally available materials ensure both cost-effectiveness and ac­cessibility.

Thirdly, educating users about the risks of infection and proper mainte­nance practices is essential. Awareness campaigns can promote regular clean­ing and responsible sharing practices, ensuring that users understand the im­portance of hygiene, leveraging commu­nity health workers and local media can help disseminate this crucial informa­tion effectively.

In a study on motorcycle helmet use in LMICs, education campaigns target­ing riders through local radio stations and community meetings significantly improved helmet hygiene practices and compliance.

Finally, regular inspection and main­tenance of helmets ensure they remain in good condition and free from harmful microorganisms. Organizations should implement routine checks and cleaning protocols to maintain helmet safety.

Integrating these practices into ex­isting community health initiatives can enhance compliance and effectiveness. Local health volunteers could incorpo­rate periodic checks into broader pub­lic health campaigns; ensuring helmet hygiene is maintained alongside other community health measures.

Balancing the benefits and risks of helmet use requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates effective hygiene measures.

Helmets are essential for injury pre­vention, but they must be kept clean and properly maintained to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. As Dr. Abdulgafoor M. Bachani from the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Re­search and Policy emphasizes, “Helmets play a vital role in protecting individuals from head injuries. However, we must also recognize the importance of hy­giene in preventing infections”.

By implementing regular cleaning and maintenance protocols, we can ensure that helmets provide maximum protection without posing additional health risks.

In conclusion, the benefits of helmet use outweigh the potential risks of le­thal infection, especially when proper hygiene practices are followed. It is important to continue advocating for helmet use while ensuring appropriate cleaning and maintenance protocols are in place.

Governments and private sector ac­tors should implement best practices for helmet hygiene and maintenance, rais­ing awareness and educating the public to ensure helmets’ safe and effective use. By doing so, we can reduce traffic inju­ries and infection risks.