Original scientific paper
Factors Associated with Fatal Traffic Accidents in Tirana, Albania: Crosssectional Study
Gentiana Qirjako
; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
Genc Burazeri
; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
Bajram Hysa
; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
Enver Roshi
; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
Abstract
Aim To assess the prevalence of fatal road traffic accidents in Tirana,
Albania, and describe their determinants.
Methods This cross-sectional study included all road traffic accidents
recorded by the Traffic Police Department of Tirana district for the
period 2000-2005. A structured questionnaire included information
about the type of traffic accident (fatal vs non-fatal event), year of
event, age and sex of the responsible party, reason of accident, location
and time of event, and the type of vehicle involved. Multivariable-adjusted
binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the predictors
of fatal road traffic accidents.
Results Overall, there were 1578 recorded road traffic accidents in Tirana
district during 2000-2005. Of these, 272 (17%) were fatal. Multivariable-
adjusted models showed that younger age (OR, 3.97; 95% CI,
2.28-6.91), high speed (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.62-3.98), and especially
alcohol consumption (OR, 6.15; 95% CI, 3.54-10.66) were strong and
significant predictors of fatal accidents. Fatal accidents were more prevalent
on intercity roads (OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 3.11-5.82) and involved
especially vans and trucks (OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 2.34-7.24).
Conclusion Young age, high speed, and alcohol are predictors of fatal
road traffic accidents in Tirana district. These findings can serve as a basis
for health care professionals and policymakers to create preventive
measures for traffic accidents.
Keywords
Albania; motor vehicle; risk factors; road traffic accidents; road traffic injury
Hrčak ID:
35107
URI
Publication date:
15.12.2008.
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