ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF COMMUTING INJURY AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN MALAYSIA 2014-2016
Abstract
Background: In recent years, traffic accidents in Malaysia have resulted in an alarming increase of injuries and deaths, hence resulting in a broad range of negative impacts to the society and economy. However, limited studies have been carried out regarding traffic accident involving healthcare workers in Malaysia. Thus, the objective of this study is to identify the demographics and injury risks of MOH healthcare workers involved in traffic accident.
Materials and Methods: This study was based on data collected from the Workers Environment Health Unit (WEHU) notification form from 2014 to 2016. The information obtained from the WEHU form comprises sociodemographic data, occupational data, accident specific data and classification of injuries. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated with a logistic model.
Result: 959 cases were reported to MOH during 2014 - 2016. Statistics review showed age group of 50 years old and above, environmental health assistant, male gender, and travelling from residence to workplace have the highest annual incident of road traffic accidents. Males gender contribute to a majority numbers of fatalities (71.4%), while as in job post prospective, health assistants showed the greatest risk of sustaining an injury (OR=9.34, 95% CI 4.12-21.36).
Conclusion: Senior drivers had a higher tendency to get involved in road traffic accidents. More focus and attention should be given on effective interventional strategies which could reduce the risk of road traffic accidents among MOH healthcare workers, especially among the older age group and specific occupational groups, where frequent traveling are the main principal. We recommend that the WEHU reporting system can be improved and be made mandatory for a more accurate perspective of the issue in hand.
Keywords: commuting accident, road traffic accident, workplace accident, healthcare workers, Malaysia