Evaluation of productivity loss in traffic accident victims

Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death in the world, which brings great cost to the economy. So, this study aimed to determine the loss of productivity in traffic accident victims admitted to hospitals in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2018.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 551 injured persons selected randomly. For productivity loss estimation, we used the health and labor questionnaire on the base of the human capital approach. Data retrieved from the hospital information unit and calls to patients until three months after their accident. Then, data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests.

The mean and standard deviation of productivity loss three months after the accident was (18.81±25.21) million rials (499.6±669.6 $). The productivity loss with a huge difference in men was 20.93±25.75) million Rials and the age group of 25-35 years was (22.10±29.79) million more than the other groups, respectively. According to the regression results, among the injury groups, productivity loss were affected by the injury category to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine and pelvis.

Examining the indirect cost of traffic accidents can be useful in public health decisions. By measuring and comparing the cost of this disease in the community, health care decision makers can be helped to set up and prioritize health care policies and interventions.