Analysis of the characteristics of road traffic injuries in Guangzhou, China, in 2014–2018

Abstract Objective: To determine the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of road traffic injuries (RTIs) in Guangzhou, China. Methods: RTI data for the period of January 2014–December 2018 were obtained from the Injury Surveillance System of Guangzhou. Multiple logistic regression modeling was conducted to estimate the risk factors of RTIs in Guangzhou. Results: A total of 19,124 RTIs were reported in 2014–2018. The RTIs occurred mainly in summer and autumn, particularly in August. The male-to-female ratio of RTIs was 1.59:1. Many RTIs involved 20-year-olds working as businesspersons or service staff. The RTIs included multiple site injuries (30.22%) and lower limb (25.95%) and head (21.98%) injuries. Most RTIs were contusions or scratches (67.57%) and had mild (76.12%) and moderate (20.88%) outcomes. Most RTI cases involved motorcycles (35.20%). Regression results showed that gender, age groups, months, census registration, occupation, and alcohol consumption were associated with RTIs in Guangzhou, China. Conclusion: The number of reported RTIs in Guangzhou increased year by year. The risk factors are male, 10–69 years of age, June to November, nonlocal residence registration, businesspersons or service staff, low education level, and alcohol consumption. The findings may help formulate scientific and effective preventive measures for enhancing road safety.