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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: This study examined the time trends and age-distribution patterns of estimated road traffic fatalities (RTFs) in China over the period 2002-2012.
METHODS: Data on age-, sex-, and region-specific RTF rates were provided by the Chinese Ministry of Health. The crude rates were standardized and the Mann-Kendall test was used to test the significance of time trends. Annual number of RTFs was calculated. To minimize the effect of yearly variations, magnitude of changes in and age-distribution patterns of the RTFs were examined using mean values of two years.
RESULTS: RTFs increased significantly in China during the study period. Several features were identified for the RTFs in China. First, RTF rates skyrocketed in rural areas including towns and counties. Second, a significant increase of RTFs was also observed in cities even though the change of the RTF rates was not statistically significant there. Third, individuals aged 20-24, 40-49, and 55-64, especially in rural areas, were particularly at risk for RTFs in recent years. Finally, RTFs became more common among middle-aged and older adults than young Chinese, with roughly 57% of all RTFs occurring among individuals aged 45 and above during 2011-2012.
CONCLUSIONS: RTFs increased dramatically in China during the past decade, especially in rural areas. Age-distribution patterns of RTFs have changed there. Community- based public health education and intervention programs are warranted.
Language: en |