Associations between road traffic accidents and socio-economic deprivation on Scotland's west coast.

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are declining, but remain a public health concern locally and world-wide. Scottish RTAs killed 316 people and injured over 20,000 in 1996. By 2020, they are predicted to become the world's third-leading cause of sickness and death. Little is know about associations between RTAs and deprivation; it has never been explored on Scotland's West Coast. This study analysed hospital A&E admissions and investigated associations between RTAs and socio-economic status. 1,300 attendance records at a 575-bed NHS Trust Accident & Emergency in North Lanarkshire were reviewed and 1,020 records analysed in conjunction with Health Board socio-economic data. Findings strongly suggest (p = 0.00461) a positive trend between RTA activity and deprivation. Significance held for gender, victim role, purpose of journey and age, except for drivers 60 and over. Given the preventative nature of RTAs and their contribution to morbidity and mortality, further research between RTAs and deprivation is suggested.