Temporal Distribution Of Quadbike Injuries and Associated Factors, in Dubai, UAE

Abstract

Quadbikes are all-terrain four-wheeled vehicles used extensively as desert recreational vehicles in Dubai, UAE. Quadbiking, like other outdoor sport, is influenced by ambient temperature in the desert ecosystem. This study assesses the temporal distribution of quadbike injuries in this unique desert ecosystem to identify the population affected and factors associated with injuries in addition to forecasting short term injury trend. Electronic Patient Care Registration (EPCR) reports of Dubai Ambulance [Dubai Corporation for Ambulatory Services] from January 1, 2017, to March 1, 2021, were used as a data source. Variables were recoded and derived from the case history, time of incident and the clinical impression recorded by medics, following the incidence. IBM SPSS Statistical Package Version. 28.0.0.0 was used for descriptive, bivariate and regression analysis. R software version 4.2.1 helped with the time series analysis. Two hundred twenty-six injury incidents were reported. The analysis showed that both nationals and non-nationals were equally involved in quadbike crash injuries. Those injured were young riders under 35 years [82.3%] and mostly males [73%]. Most crashes involving injuries were rollovers [73%] and were rarely picked up by ambulance from the desert [7%]. Dubai showed a seasonal distribution of quad bike injuries with peaks in winter and a small spike in June. Diurnal distribution of injuries shows higher frequency during the afternoon-evening hours, with an equal number of injuries occurring in the daytime and nighttime hours. Regression analysis showed native Emirati riders being injured more in winter [aOR=5.148; 95% CI 2.094 – 12.65] and during the night [aOR=3.452; 95% CI 1.822-6.54], when compared to non-national riders. Finally, it seems that, incidents of quadbike injuries, will show slight increasing trend in the next few months. The distinct seasonal nature of quadbike injuries should direct the attention of concerned authorities to the importance of deploying the emergency and rescue services near desert riding hotspots. The authorities should also target vulnerable Emirati youth and guardians, during the winter season and early summer, for comprehensive injury prevention campaigns supported with close surveillance during night-time riding.