Road traffic disability in China: prevalence and socio-demographic disparities

Road traffic injuries are a population health problem worldwide especially in less-developed countries; however, little is known about road traffic disability (RTD). This study aims to estimate RTD prevalence and to explore RTD socio-demographic disparities if any within China.

The 2006 China national disability survey was employed to derive a nationally representative sample. Trained physicians used consensus manuals to confirm physical disabilities that resulted from road accidents. Population-weighted prevalence was calculated. Multivariate logistic regression stratified by age was used to assess adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

A weighted total of 1.5 million Chinese with RTD was identified, corresponding to a population-weighted prevalence of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.07-1.17) per 1000. The RTD prevalence was 0.13 (95% CI: 0.10-0.16) per 1000 among children aged 0-17 years compared with that of 1.44 (95% CI: 1.38-1.51) per 1000 among adults aged 18+ years. Elevated RTD odds were associated with increasing age in children, male gender, rural residence, lacking home ownership, not possessing electrical appliances, low education, lacking employment or low family income.

The findings demonstrate RTD were commonplace among Chinese residents and highlight existing socio-demographic disparities. Road safety initiatives are warranted to prevent RTD in China.