Severity of disability related to road traffic crashes in the Spanish adult population

Abstract

BackgroundThe severity of disability related to road traffic crashes has been little studied, despite the significant health and socio-economic impacts that determine victims’ quality of life. ObjectiveTo estimate the consequences of road traffic crashes on the severity of disability, in terms of individuals’ capacity to execute activities and perform tasks in their current environment, using aids. MethodsCross-sectional study conducted on community-dwelling participants in the “2008 National Survey of Disability”, with data on 91,846 households having 20,425 disabled persons, 443 of whom had disability due to road traffic crashes. We measured severity using two indicators, i.e., the Capacity (CSI) and Performance (PSI) Severity Indices. ResultsThe highest proportion of disability was mild (CSI=70.5%; PSI=80.8%), while 7.6% (CSI) and 4.9% (PSI) was severe/complete respectively. The moderate/severe disability rate was 0.6 per thousand on the CSI, decreasing to 0.4 per thousand on the PSI. No differences were observed by age or sex. Moderate/severely disabled persons had a fourfold higher probability of being retired or unfit for work. Mental and nervous system impairments were more closely related to moderate/severe/complete problems of capacity and performance (p<0.001), disability for carrying out general tasks and demands, and interpersonal interactions and relationships (p<0.001). Being permanently bedridden (p<0.001), receiving aids (p<0.001), family support (p<0.05) and moving home (p<0.05) increased with an increase in the level of severity. ConclusionRoad traffic crashes mainly cause mild disability. Moderate/severe disability is associated with lower work capacity, greater functional dependence, and increased need of aids, moving home and family support.