Long-term Outcomes of Individuals Injured in Motor Vehicle Crashes: A Population-based Study

Introduction

Despite decline in U.S. traffic fatalities, non-fatal injuries remain one of the main causes of deficits in health and well-being. This study aims to utilize a nationally representative survey to examine the long-term (≥1 year) effects of traffic injuries on self-care, depression, mobility, pain, and activity domains of a widely used measure assessing Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL).

Methods

This longitudinal study includes participants (age≥18) from three panels (2000-2003) of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Participants were surveyed five times 4-5 months apart. The dependent variables included the five domains of the EQ-5D. These outcomes were assessed twice during the follow-up period: at round 2 and 4 for 30,576 adults. Individuals were included if either: (a) reported a traffic-related injury in round 1-2 and did not report another injury in subsequent rounds; or (b): did not report traffic injury in rounds 1-4 (comparison-group). Weighed Logistic regression with outcome severe/moderate problem in each EQ-5D domain was used adjusting for potential confounders.

 

Findings

590 participants reported traffic-related injuries. In the first measure analysis (round 2), traffic injuries were negatively associated with all domains of the EQ-5D. With the exception of self-care, traffic-related injuries remained significantly associated with deficits in EQ-5D ≥ 1 year after injuries (round 4). Traffic injuries maintained a strong association with pain and activity in round 4 (both OR=1.81, P<0.01).

 

Interpretation

Traffic injuries are significantly associated with long-term outcome represented by HRQOL measures. Injured individuals may benefit from pain-management interventions when enrolled in long-term rehabilitation programs.