Using linked data to evaluate traumatic brain injuries in New Mexico : Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) linked data demonstration project

40651964PDFResearch PaperDOT HS 808 798DTNH-22-96-H-47266Accident dataMedical recordsMedical servicesBrainInternal injuriesStatistical analysisNew MexicoUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationCastle, S. P.Woods, Brian D.New Mexico. Dept. of HealthUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNTL-REFERENCES AND DIRECTORIES-StatisticsNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-AccidentsNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Highway SafetyNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-SAFETY AND SECURITYBTS Data DirectoryThe 1995 crude mortality rate of physician diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the New Mexico is estimated to be 21 deaths per 100,000 population and the crude incidence of both hospitalized and fatal TBI is 110 cases per 100,000 population (1,856 TBI cases). This is elevated above a 1992 published figure for the national TBI fatality rate of 19 deaths per 100,000 population, and below at least one study reporting 180 medically confirmed cases of TBI per 100,000 population. The New Mexico rates are felt to be low because noner of the available data sets contained complete covereage of the entire New Mexico population and some data coding practice preclude complete case ascertainment. Statewide hospital emergency department and emergency medical services data were not adequately developed for inclusion in these 1995 analyses. Economic analyses of both fatal and non-fatal TBI in New Mexico were conducted. Using a conservative human capital appracoh, the mortality costs of TBI in New Mexico during 1995, were approximately $162 million, and the morbidity costs were approximately $128 million. half (49%) of these costs, $142 million, resulted from motor vehicle crashes. Traumatic brain injuries frequently occur in younger populations and represent a large cost for New Mexicans. Given the high costs and disability associated with TBI, promotion of prevention programs should include a cost comparison. The leading casuses of hospitalized and fatal TBI in New mexico were motor vehicle traffic crashes 791 (43%); non-traffic transportaiton, 85 (5%); falls, 240 (13%); hitting and striking, 141 (8%); and firearms, 66 (4%). Occurences of traumatic brain injury resulting from motor vehicle crashes was significantly associated with non-use of safety belts and being in a crash severe enough to require towing. TBI is twice as likely in towaway crashes. Overall, occupants in motor vehicle crashes were 12.4 times more likely to sustain a serious or fatal TBI if they were not using a safety belt. Safety belt effectiveness in terms of TBI or for the reduction of TBI was not asssociated with seating position in the vehicle, gender or age of the vehicle occupant