Characteristics and influencing factors of head and neck injuries in motorcycle accidents: a retrospective analysis in Bangkok, Thailand.

Abstract

Background: Road traffic incidents, particularly those involving motorcycles, pose a significant public health concern, especially in low-income countries. This study aims to investigate the incidence and patterns of head and neck injuries, as well as to analyze factors contributing to these injuries.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken utilizing the medical records of motorcycle incident patients derived from the provincial injury surveillance data collected between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, at a single center. The study encompasses data on age, sex, rider classification, types and quantities of alcohol ingested, helmet employment, Glasgow Coma Score, Injury Severity Score, and classifications of head and neck injuries. The incidence rate of head and neck injuries correlated with motorcycle incidents will be delineated. Subsequently, a logistic regression analysis was conducted to discern the factors associated with head injury severity.

Results: The study examined motorcycle incident trauma in 1,413 patients. The incidence of head and neck injuries was 20%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the age of more than 60 years, non-helmeted riding, and alcohol consumption as significant factors for head injuries, with odds ratios of 1.86, 1.76, and 4.17, respectively.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the protective role of helmets in reducing head injuries and highlights potential associations between alcohol consumption and the severity of head injuries. These findings may be utilized to advocate for improvements in road safety policies and reduce healthcare costs related to motorcycle accidents.