Factors associated with child and adolescent deaths due to road traffic accidents on Brazilian federal highways

The aim is to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with mortality among children and adolescents on Brazilian federal highways in 2022. An epidemiological cross-sectional study based on secondary data related to traffic accidents occurring on Brazilian federal highways. The exposure variables included gender, age group, federative unit, accident type, vehicle type, victim’s position, accident cause, time of occurrence, day of the week, and weather conditions at the time of the accident. The outcome was death. A descriptive analysis with proportions and confidence intervals, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with death. The measure of association was the odds ratio (OR). The highest proportions of accident-related deaths were in the South and Southeast regions of the country. Accidents that occurred in the Northeast region, under weather conditions partially affecting visibility, involving motorcycles or mopeds and bicycles, increased the likelihood of mortality among children and adolescents. Reducing traffic accident mortality in children and adolescents should consider regional differences, with education and enforcement actions focusing on the main factors associated with death in this age group

Descriptive statistics · Injury prevention · Logistic regression · Occupational safety and health · Odds · Odds ratio · Poison control · Injury Epidemiology and Prevention · Traffic and Road Safety · Trauma and Emergency Care Studies · Epidemiology