Assessing Factors Associated with Non-Fatal Injuries from Road Traffic Accidents among Malaysian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the PURE Malaysia Study

Abstract

Non-fatal injuries (NFIs) due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a public health problem worldwide that significantly impacts the population morbidity and healthcare costs. As the demands for vehicles in developing countries, such as Malaysia, is increasing annually, the present study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with NFIs due to RTAs among Malaysia’s adult population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 15,321 participants from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study conducted in Malaysia. Participants reported whether they had experienced an NFI that limited their normal activities within the past 12 months. Data on risk factors for NFIs were elicited. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to identify the associated factors. Results: Overall, 863 participants (5.6% of 15,321) reported at least 1 NFI in the past 12 months, with 303 caused by RTAs (35.1%), 270 caused by falls (31.3%) and 290 attributed to other causes (33.6%). The factors associated with higher odds of sustaining an NFI due to an RTA were being male (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) 2.08; 95% CI 1.33–3.26), having a primary (2.52; 1.40–4.55) or secondary (2.64; 1.55–4.49) level of education, being overweight to obese (1.40; 1.01–1.94), being currently employed (2.03; 1.31–3.13) and not practicing a noon nap/siesta (1.38; 1.01–1.89). Conclusions: The occurrence of NFIs due to RTAs is highly preventable with strategic planning aimed at reducing the risk of RTAs among the Malaysian population. Interventions focusing on protecting road users, especially those who drive two-wheelers, with proactive road safety awareness and literacy campaigns, combined with strict enforcement of the existing traffic laws and behavioural modifications, may reduce the risk of NFIs following RTAs.

Statistical Analysis of Accident Patterns and The Causes at A State Road in Perlis

“…In this plan, the Safe System (SS) methods are included, such as infrastructural changes, in addition to conventional approaches to reduce the occurrence of deaths in 2019 by 50% by the end of 2030. At hot-spot areas, infrastructural changes could be introduced to replace signalised intersections with roundabouts, horizontal deflections built at pedestrian and cycle crossing ways [6]. A significant number of studies on traffic safety have emphasised that traffic accidents must be based on prevention.…”

“…Extended surveillance monitoring will make road users more prudent while on the road, thereby reducing traffic accidents. Non-fatal accidents are unnecessary and avoidable [6]. National speed limits for various road categories are already used to balance mobility and road safety.…”

“…Private vehicles are one of the principal sources of transportation nationwide [5]. The number of registered vehicles was 16,790,732 in 2006, increasing to 29,666,187 in 2018 [6]. The increases in the Malaysian population and the number of vehicles on roads increased the risk of road accidents.…”

“…Data from the Ministry of Transportation (MOT) Malaysia gives a consistent increase in the number of road traffic accidents. A total of 414,421 cases were recorded in 2010, which increased to 567,516 in 2019 [6]. As a result, MYR 9 billion was used on medical expenses associated with road traffic accidents in 2019 [7].…”

“…The most typical collision types are straying, digressing and skidding. In Malaysia, an average of 18 persons dies daily in road accidents [6,10]. Thus, to put together adequate interventions for this issue, the factors associated with road traffic accidents must be recognised.…”