Inequalities in the risk of disability due to traffic injuries in the Spanish adult population, 2009-2010.

Background: Although traffic injuries (TIs) are an important cause of disability the related factors are little known. We aimed to estimate the differences in risk of TI-related disability according to individual characteristics that might generate health inequalities.

Methods: Cross-sectional study using a representative Spanish population sample drawn from the European Health Interview Survey 2009/2010. We calculated traffic crashes in the preceding year which resulted in injuries. Disability was measured using the Global Activity Limitation Indicator and four indicators of limitations (sensory, physical functional, self-care and domestic activities). Principal socio-demographic and behavioural/lifestyle variables were studied. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the risk (ORs) of TI-related disability in the sample as whole and disability-related factors in persons who had experienced TIs.

Results: Persons with TIs had a higher risk of global disability (OR = 1.61; 95%CI:1.17-2.20), physical functional limitations (OR = 1.96; 95%CI:1.33-2.89) and self-care limitations (OR = 1.73; 95%CI:0.98-3.05). Among persons with TIs, GALI-related risk was higher in women (OR = 3.06, p = 0.002) and persons aged over 30 years (OR = 6.81, p < 0.001; OR = 5.96, p = 0.011; OR = 4.54, p = 0.047). Lower risk was observed among persons with a higher educational level (OR = 0.22, p = 0.003). The risk of disability among persons with TIs who consumed illegal drugs was OR = 3.9 (p = 0.023).

Conclusions: Traffic injuries in the preceding year are associated with higher risk of disability, which is unevenly distributed. Individual (women and persons over 30 years), socio-economic (lower educational level) and behavioural (illegal drug use) factors are involved. Actions aimed at changing the unequal risk among vulnerable subgroups and providing health, social and protective services should be implemented.