Factors Related to Occurrence Road Accidents in Elderly; Case Study U-thong District, Suphanburi Province

Abstract

Road traffic accidents represent a major public health concern. Older adults are recognized as a vulnerable population due to age-related physiological decline, which increases their susceptibility to road traffic injuries. This study aimed to assess the situation and identify factors associated with road traffic accidents among older adults in U Thong District, Suphan Buri Province. A case–control study was conducted among older adults residing in the district, comprising 134 cases and 268 controls. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, with multiple logistic regression employed to examine the associations between relevant factors and the occurrence of road traffic accidents. The findings indicated that driver-related factors—specifically visual impairment and hearing impairment—significantly increased the risk of road traffic accidents, with odds ratios of 3.70 and 9.26, respectively. In terms of road and environmental factors, moderately appropriate vehicle conditions were associated with a 3.71-fold increase in accident risk, while minimally appropriate road physical structures were associated with a 5.04-fold increase in risk, at the statistical significance level of .05. The results of this study provide valuable evidence to support governmental and private sector agencies in formulating policies, programs, and interventions aimed at preventing and reducing road traffic accidents among older adults. Furthermore, the findings can contribute to efforts to mitigate the severity of injuries and fatalities within this high-risk population.