Citation

Powell NB, Schechtman KB, Riley RW, Li K, Guilleminault C. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 2002; 126(3): 217-227.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stanford University Medical School, and the Stanford Sleep Disorders and Research Center, Stanford, California, USA. npowell@ix.netcom.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11956528

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study goals were to evaluate the associated risks of driving and to assess predictors of accidents and injury due to sleepiness. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional Internet-linked survey was designed to elicit data on driving habits, sleepiness, accidents, and injuries during the preceding 3 years. Statistical analysis included logistic models with covariate-adjusted P values of <0.01 (odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals or limits). Independent accident predictors were sought. RESULTS: Responses from 10,870 drivers were evaluated. The mean +/- SD age was 36.9 +/- 13 years; 61% were women and 85% were white. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale overall baseline score was 7.4 +/- 4.2 (for drivers with no accidents) and ranged to 12.7 +/- 7.2 (for drivers with > or = 4 accidents) (P = < 0.0001). Twenty-three percent of all respondents experienced > or = 1 accident. Among respondents who reported > or = 4 accidents, a strong association existed for the most recent accident to include injury (P < 0.0001). Sleep disorders were reported by 22.5% of all respondents, with a significantly higher prevalence (35%, P = 0.002) for drivers who had been involved in > or = 3 accidents. CONCLUSION: Factors of sleepiness were strongly associated with a greater risk of automobile accidents. Predictors were identified that may contribute to accidents and injury when associated with sleepiness and driving.

Language: en