Road traffic disability in China: Prevalence and socio-demographic disparities

Abstract

Background: Road traffic injuries are a population health problem worldwide especially in less-developed countries; however, little is known about road traffic disability (RTD). This study aims to estimate RTD prevalence and to explore RTD socio-demographic disparities if any within China. Methods: The 2006 China national disability survey was employed to derive a nationally representative sample. Trained physicians used consensus manuals to confirm physical disabilities that resulted from road accidents. Population-weighted prevalence was calculated. Multivariate logistic regression stratified by age was used to assess adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: A weighted total of 1.5 million Chinese with RTD was identified, corresponding to a population-weighted prevalence of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.07-1.17) per 1000. The RTD prevalence was 0.13 (95% CI: 0.10-0.16) per 1000 among children aged 0-17 years compared with that of 1.44 (95% CI: 1.38-1.51) per 1000 among adults aged 18+ years. Elevated RTD odds were associated with increasing age in children, male gender, rural residence, lacking home ownership, not possessing electrical appliances, low education, lacking employment or low family income. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate RTD were commonplace among Chinese residents and highlight existing socio-demographic disparities. Road safety initiatives are warranted to prevent RTD in China. © The Author 2013.