Alcohol consumption and the severity of lower limb and pelvic lesions resulting from motorcycle injuries

To analyze the association between alcohol consumption and the severity of injuries in the pelvic region and lower limbs among motorcyclists injured in traffic.

This exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted with motorcyclists admitted to a public hospital in Recife (northeastern Brazil). Using questionnaires, the study collected sociodemographic data and information about accidents. Data were also sourced from medical records from February 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024. The severity of the injuries was assessed using the Abbreviated Injury Scale.

The study involved 305 individuals, of which 292 (95.7%) were male, and 210 (70.9%) were aged 18-39 years. Severe injuries in the pelvic and lower limb areas occurred in 229 (74.6%) of motorcyclists. The analysis showed a statistically significant association between pelvic and lower limb injuries and alcohol consumption, even when adjusted for age, education level, income, type of income, and accident by impact and collision (adjusted odds ratio = 2.82; 95% confidence interval = 1.04-7.69) (p = 0.042).

Motorcyclists who consume alcohol are at a higher risk of severe injury in the pelvic region and lower limbs. Despite the traffic regulations regarding alcohol consumption in Brazil and investments in educational campaigns, efforts have not been enough to reduce the incidence and severity of injuries in the studied population.