Quality of Life after Motorcycle Traffic Injuries: A Cohort Study in Northwest of Iran

Gheshlaghi, Leili Abedi; Sharifi, Hamid; Noroozi, Mehdi; Barouni, Mohsen; Sadeghi-bazargan, Homayoun · 2020 · Crossref

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-15569/v2

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Summary

This cohort study investigates the quality of life (QOL) of motorcyclists injured in traffic accidents in northwest Iran, addressing a gap in literature regarding post-injury outcomes in developing countries. While physical consequences of road traffic injuries are well-documented, psychological and social impacts, particularly for motorcyclists who suffer more severe injuries than other vehicle users, remain underexplored. The study aims to assess QOL changes over three months post-accident and identify associated factors. The researchers recruited 190 injured motorcyclists admitted to two referral hospitals in Tabriz between June 2018 and January 2019. Baseline data, including demographics, crash details, and injury types, were collected via face-to-face interviews. Follow-up assessments were conducted via telephone at one and three months post-accident, with 171 participants (90%) completing the three-month evaluation. QOL was measured using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, which scores from 1 (high QOL) to 3 (low QOL). Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) models were employed to analyze longitudinal data and determine predictors of QOL. Results indicated that QOL improved significantly from one month (mean score 2.15 ± 0.65) to three months (mean score 1.78 ± 0.51) post-accident (p<0.001). However, scores remained lower than general population norms. Multivariable analysis identified specific factors associated with lower QOL at three months: injuries to the pelvis (coefficient 0.29, p=0.001) and knee (coefficient 0.26, p=0.001), and accidents occurring in rainy weather (coefficient 0.33, p=0.001). Conversely, accidents involving another vehicle were associated with better QOL (coefficient -0.26, p=0.002). Demographic variables such as age, sex, and education level showed no significant association with QOL outcomes. The study concludes that while QOL improves within three months, it does not return to pre-accident levels. The findings highlight the need for extended multi-year cohort studies to understand long-term recovery trajectories. The authors recommend targeted interventions for high-risk groups, particularly those with lower limb injuries or psychological complications like PTSD. They advocate for enhanced social, psychological, and financial support post-discharge, alongside policy measures such as mandatory helmet use and improved road infrastructure to mitigate motorcycle injury severity and improve long-term quality of life.

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