RISK-FACTORS FOR INJURY - SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES FOR TRAFFIC CRASHES AND OTHER CAUSES

Actions to prevent injury may address either individual behaviour or p opulation practice. Factors associated with injuries in a variety of c ircumstances may be best suited to prevention at the level of populati on whereas more specific causes would not be. Data from the Ontario He alth Survey were used to assess the similarities and differences betwe en risk factors and injury in traffic crashes, at work and in other ci rcumstances. Respondents reporting injury were compared with age-and s ex-matched controls reporting no injury for reported alcohol ingestion , binge drinking and drinking and driving. In addition, data on the us e of licit and illicit drugs, occupation and other demographic factors were compared. Variables showing consistent associations with injury included drug use, some measures of alcohol ingestion and reports of c o-existing chronic disease. Many variables showed a variable pattern, including occupation, education and income. In many instances, these d ifferences reflected differences in exposure to risk. Efforts at preve ntion related to alcohol,or medication could be broadly based, whereas for other factors, more targeted prevention efforts would be appropri ate.