Injury severity and increased socioeconomic differences: A population-based cohort study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Injury Science

Background:

• Socioeconomic status (SES) shows an inverse gradient with injury mortality, but less consistently with injury morbidity.
• Existing evidence on SES and injury severity is limited, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between socioeconomic status and injury severity in a nationwide population-based cohort.
• To determine if SES influences the likelihood and severity of acute injury hospitalizations.

Main Methods:

• A registry-based cohort study in Norway (2008-2014) included individuals aged 25-64.
• Injury severity was assessed using threat-to-life (ICISS) and threat-of-disability (Injury-VIBES).
• Robust Poisson regression analyzed incidence rate ratios (IRRs) by SES (education, income, occupation).

Main Results:

• 177,663 individuals were hospitalized for acute injuries; 2% had high threat-to-life, 25% had high threat of disability.
• Low SES was associated with higher hospitalization rates (IRR 1.57) compared to high SES.
• The association between low SES and injury severity was strongest for high threat-to-life (IRR 2.25) and high threat-of-disability (IRR 1.99) injuries.

Conclusions:

• An inverse gradient exists between SES and injury morbidity, particularly for severe injuries.
• Individuals with lower SES experience a disproportionately higher burden of severe injuries.
• Targeted preventive strategies are needed to mitigate severe injury risks among low SES populations.