Exploring the barriers and underlying factors of utilizing a motorcycle without a license among adolescent boys: a qualitative study in Iran.

Background: Motorcyclists constitute the highest proportion of victims of road traffic accidents. Riding a motorcycle without a license in teenagers is one of the accident-causing behaviors. Therefore, the current study was conducted with the aim of qualitatively investigating the obstacles and underlying factors of utilizing a motorcycle without a license among adolescent boys in Iran.

Methodology: The present research qualitative research employed the grounded theory approach. The study population of the current research included all teenagers aged 10-18 years old in Farsan City of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in 2023. The sample size was 14 obtained on the principle of data saturation using the purposeful sampling method. Interviews with participants using a semi-structured questionnaire were conducted. For data coding, MAXQDA 2022 software was used, and data analysis was done with open, axial, and selective coding methods.

Results: The lowest age at the first experience riding a motorcycle was 10 years old. Most of the cases had their first experience of riding a motorcycle at the age of 14 years. By achieving theoretical saturation in the interviews, 51 open codes were identified, and our qualitative data analyses resulted in 7 obstacles to unlicensed motorcycling in 4 categories. "Traffic rules and the desire to get a license", "accidents and financial, life and insurance losses", "the existence of a suitable structure for motorcycle riding training", and "opposition of families and unavailability of motorcycles". Also, regarding the 15 factors underlying driving a motorcycle without a license, 7 categories, "disregarding traffic rules", "inappropriate educational structure", "excitement and pleasant feeling", "spending life and free time", "enthusiasm and love" Youth", "Encouragement and support of significant others and availability of motorcycles", "Economic problems" were obtained.

Conclusions: According to the findings, the obstacles and underlying factors of riding motorcycles without a license were identified from the perspective of teenagers, by focusing on these factors and also changing or modifying the things that can be changed, the occurrence of this behavior and ultimately the resulting injuries can be reduced.