Spatial analysis of alcohol-related motor vehicle crash injuries in southeastern Michigan.
Temporal, behavioral and social risk factors that affect injuries resulting from alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes have been characterized in previous research. Much less is known about spatial patterns and environmental associations of alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. The aim of this study was to evaluate geographic patterns of alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes and to determine if locations of alcohol outlets are associated with those crashes. In addition, we sought to demonstrate the value of integrating spatial and traditional statistical techniques in the analysis of this preventable public health risk. The study design was a cross-sectional analysis of individual-level blood alcohol content, traffic report information, census block group data, and alcohol distribution outlets. Besag and Newell's spatial analysis and traditional logistic regression both indicated that areas of low population density had more alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes than expected (P < 0.05). There was no significant association between alcohol outlets and alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes using distance analyses, logistic regression, and Chi-square. Differences in environmental or behavioral factors characteristic of areas of low population density may be responsible for the higher proportion of alcohol-related crashes occurring in these areas.
Meliker
Jaymie R
JR
Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
Maio
Ronald F
RF
Zimmerman
Marc A
MA
Kim
Hyungjin Myra
HM
Smith
Sarah C
SC
Wilson
Mark L
ML
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D008824:Michigan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011156:Population Density; D012044:Regression Analysis; D017062:Small-Area Analysis; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*