Facial trauma and associated factors among Brazilian victims of motorcycle accidents

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of facial trauma among Brazilians who have suffered motorcycle accidents and investigate associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1,689 reports of motorcycle accidents registered in a Center of Forensic Medicine and Dentistry over 4 years. The dependent variable was the presence of facial trauma. Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics of the victims and the circumstances of the events. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test (p < 0.05) and univariate and multivariate Poisson regression models. The prevalence of facial injuries was 15.0 %. The mean age of the victims was 32.3 ± 12.3 years and the proportion of males to females was 4.6:1. The occurrence of facial trauma was high among individuals who resided in suburban (PR = 1.83, 95 % CI: 1.14–2.91; p = 0.011) and rural zones (PR = 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.71–2.99; p = 0.008), as well as among those who were single (PR = 1.47, 95 % CI: 1.02–2.12; p = 0.039). Schooling between 9 and 11 years (PR = 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.18–0.80; p = 0.011) was a protection factor for facial trauma. The results suggest that the prevalence of facial trauma among Brazilian victims of motorcycle accidents is high and associated with sociodemographic factors such as place of residence, marital status, and schooling. Efforts to combat and prevent these events in Brazil require specific guidelines.