Background: Population-based estimates of traffic accidents
(TAs) are not readily available for developing countries. This study
examined the contribution of socioeconomic status (SES) to the
risk of TA among Iranian adults.
Methods: A total of 64,200people aged =18years were identified
from 2008 Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool
(Urban HEART) survey. 22,128 households were interviewed to
estimate the overall annual incidence, severity and socioeconomic
determinants of TAs for males and females in Iranian capital
over the preceding year. Wealth index and house value index were
constructed for economic measurement. Weighted estimates were
computed adjusting for complex survey design. Logistic regression
models were used to examine individual and SES measures as
potential determinants of TAs in adults.
Results: The overall incidence of traffic accident was 17.3(95%
CI 16.0, 18.7) per 1000 per year. TA rate in men and women was
22.6(95% CI 20.6, 24.8) and 11.8(95% CI 10.4, 13.2), respectively.
The overall TA mortality rate was 26.6(95% CI 13.4, 39.8) per
100,000 person-years, which was almost three times higher in
men than that for women (40.4 vs. 12.1 per 100,000person-years).
Lower economic level was associated with increased incidence
and mortality of TA. Association between SES and incidence, and
severity and mortality of TA were identified.
Conclusion: TAs occur more in lower socioeconomic layers of
the society. This should be taken seriously into consideration by
policy makers, so that preventive programs aimed at behavioral
modifications in the society are promoted to decrease the health
and economic burden imposed by TAs.