Citation

Lin T, Li N, Du W, Song X, Zheng X. J. Public Health (Oxford) 2013; 35(4): 541-547.

Affiliation

Institute of Population Research, Peking University & WHO Collaborating Center for Reproductive Health and Population Science, Beijing 100871, China.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/pubmed/fdt003

PMID

23386326

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.

Language: en