Lesiones no intencionales: factores de riesgo en seguridad vial y práctica de actividades acuáticas en adolescentes de 13 a 18 años

Abstract

Introduction: unintentional injuries or accidents signify a public health issue due to their prevalence, morbidity, mortality and high health costs. Accident risk factors' knowledge has allowed making efficient control and prevention programs. Objective: evaluating the unintentional injuries needing medical assistance during the last year and assessing Valladolid adolescents' road traffic safety and aquatic activity practice risk behaviors and their relationship with other factors. Material and Methods: a survey with questions related to healthy habits, behaviors and conducts was conducted to a sample of 2412 students of 13 to 18 years old of Valladolid (Spain) during 2012. Data related with the risk of accident rate and risk factors on road traffic safety and aquatic activities. Results: 14% of adolescents have suffered some kind of accident or injury that required medical assistance during the last year. Road traffic safety risk factors were: not using safety helmet when riding a bicycle in 81.5% of adolescents and 6% in the case of riding a motorbike, 1.2% of them do not fasten their seat belt in cars. A few risk factors are noticed in aquatic activities practice. Several sociodemographic and economic variables and risk behaviors are associated with the risk of accident. Conclusions: our study identifies adolescents' road traffic safety and aquatic activity practice' risk factors. Legislative measures, publicity spots, educational programs in school and sanitary environment are required in order to reduce the adolescents' risk of death and injuries in accidents.