Factors associated with the occurrence and recurrence of road traffic injuries in car and motorcycle drivers: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the factors associated with the occurrence and recurrence of road traffic injuries (RTIs) in drivers.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a non-probabilistic sample recruited through virtual snowball sampling. Participants completed a questionnaire on the occurrence and recurrence of RTIs and their potential associated factors. Poisson multiple regression was used to identify factors associated with the lifetime occurrence and recurrence of RTIs, as well as their occurrence in the last 12 months.

RESULTS

The lifetime prevalence of RTIs was 14.9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 13.1-16.9), and the 12-month prevalence was 1.2% (95%CI: 0.8-1.6). The prevalence of recurrence (≥2 lifetime RTIs) was 5.1% (95%CI: 4.1-6.4). Higher prevalences were observed among male individuals (lifetime: adjusted prevalence ratio [APR]: 1.37, 95%CI: 1.07-1.76), individuals with low educational attainment (lifetime: APR: 1.94, 95%CI: 1.18-3.20; last 12 months: ≤8 years: APR: 3.31, 95%CI: 1.08-10.13; 9-11 years: APR: 4.47, 95%CI: 1.71-11.67), motorcyclists (lifetime: APR: 2.39, 95%CI: 1.96-2.92; last 12 months: APR: 5.44, 95%CI: 2.86-10.32), individuals aged 18-29 years (last 12 months: APR: 5.04, 95%CI: 1.92-13.27), individuals with a National Driver's License (lifetime: APR: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.02-2.60), and those who reported running red lights in the absence of surveillance cameras (lifetime: APR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.09-1.80). Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA) was associated with RTI occurrence in both periods analyzed (lifetime: APR: 1.53; 95%CI: 1.15-2.05; last 12 months: APR: 3.45; 95%CI: 1.67-7.16) and with RTI recurrence (APR: 1.67; 95%CI: 1.00-2.78). Cell phone use to make and/or answer calls while driving was associated with RTI recurrence (APR: 2.62; 95%CI: 1.06-6.47). Being a motorcycle driver was also associated with RTI recurrence (APR: 4.98; 95%CI: 3.46-7.17).

CONCLUSION

The occurrence and recurrence of RTIs were associated with sociodemographic and behavioral variables.