Case-control study of risk factors for all-terrain vehicle injuries on Kentucky Farms

Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Injuries on Kentucky Farms

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for ATV-related injury to members of farm households. The literature has previously identified injury risks for the general population of ATV riders, but there have been no studies specific to occupational use of ATVs.

Methods: A mail survey was sent to a random sample of farms in Kentucky. Cases were respondents who owned ATVs on their farm and had been injured while operating an ATV. Controls were respondents who owned ATVs for use on their farm and had not had ATV-related injuries. Prevalence-based case/control study methods were used for the analysis. Results: The response rate was 53% (N=2292). The case control analysis was based on 118 cases and 913 controls with complete data. After adjustment for covariates, the significant (p < .05) injury risks were related to the following ATV rider characteristics: age, exposure, riding on public roads, and dangerous risk-taking attitude. The p- value for Hosmer and Lemeshow was 0.95 indicating goodness of fit. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that ATV injury risks on farms are related to a number of rider characteristics, most of which are modifiable. Community-based educational interventions for ATV riders need to be tailored to meet the needs of farmers. There is evidence to support the need for state policy regarding the use of ATVs on public roadways.