Predictors of motor vehicle collision injuries among a nationally representative sample of Canadians.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of subsequent motor vehicle collision injuries, with a particular focus on health-related variables, using the longitudinal dataset from the Canadian National Population Health Survey (NPHS) for the years 1994-2002.


METHODS
Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relations between motor vehicle collision injury and four risk factors: binge drinking, health status, distress, and medication use. Age and sex were included as control variables. The total sample size was 14,529.


RESULTS
A higher percentage of females and younger persons reported a motor vehicle collision injury. Binge drinkers, respondents with poor health, respondents with distress, and respondents reported using two or more medications reported a higher percentage of subsequent injuries. Logistic regression analysis found that persons with poorer health status and persons who used more medications had higher odds of motor vehicle injuries. Only one statistically significant interaction effect was found: alcohol bingeing and medication use.


CONCLUSIONS
Among a nationally representative sample of Canadians, various demographic and risk factors predict subsequent injuries. Given that this number represents a considerable economic burden, this study underscores the need for continued research and countermeasures on alcohol, drugs, and driving.
Vingilis
Evelyn
E
Population and Community Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. evingili@uwo.ca
Wilk
Piotr
P
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*