Epidemiology and clinical outcomes of injuries in motorcycle delivery riders in the United Arab Emirates: a four-year trauma registry analysis.

Abstract

Background: Motorcycle delivery riders represent a growing and vulnerable population of road users, particularly in urban centres experiencing rapid e-commerce expansion. Despite global reductions in road traffic injuries, this group remains at high risk due to occupational hazards and limited applications of traffic laws and protective measures. We examined the epidemiology, injury patterns, and clinical outcomes of motorcycle delivery riders admitted with trauma in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from 2020 to 2023.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected trauma registry data from two hospitals in Al Ain. The study included 290 motorcycle delivery riders who were hospitalized for more than 24 h. Data on demographics, injury mechanisms, anatomical injury sites, injury severity scores (ISS), surgical interventions, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results: All patients were males with a median (IQR) age of 28 (25-33.8) years and were predominantly of South Asian origin. Road traffic collisions accounted for 89.3% of injuries. There were a total of 467 injuries, and over 40% involved two or more body regions. Lower limb injuries were most common (56.2%), followed by upper limb (30.3%), chest, and head injuries. The median ISS (IQR) was 3 (2-5), and 68.6% of the patients required surgical interventions. ICU admission was necessary for 7.9% of patients, and the overall mortality rate was 0.7%. While the number of admissions increased threefold over four years, the proportion of moderate to severe injuries declined.

Conclusions: The rising incidence of injuries among motorcycle delivery riders in Al Ain underscores the urgent need for targeted safety regulations and occupational health interventions. Despite a high surgical burden, the decline in injury severity suggests potential benefits from evolving safety practices. These findings can inform policy and healthcare planning for similar high-risk occupational groups.