Long-term impact of the 2008 economic crisis in Spain on road traffic collisions mortality by socioeconomic position

• Published in: Health & place 2021-09, Vol.71, p.102666-102666, Article 102666
• Main Authors: Pulido, J., Hoyos, J., Martínez-Ruiz, V., Sordo, L., Fernández-Navarro, P., Barrio, G., Regidor, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Economic crisis; Economic recession; Health technology assessment; Impact analysis; Men; Mortality; Motorcyclists; Prospective study; Road traffic; Roads; Socioeconomic factors; Socioeconomic status; Socioeconomics; Traffic accidents
• ISSN: 1353-8292; 1873-2054
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102666

We aimed to assess the effect of the 2008 crisis on road traffic collision (RTC) mortality in Spain, by socioeconomic position (SEP) and type of road use. This prospective, country-wide study covered all adults living in Spain and aged ≥30 years in November 2001. The long-term effect of the crisis was assessed by measuring the monthly percentage change (MPC) in RTC mortality between the pre-crisis (2002–2007) and crisis period (2008–2011). During the recession, RTC mortality fell more in people with low compared to high SEP, so MPCs difference between periods were of a higher magnitude in the low compared to high SEP groups, especially among men motorcyclists. RTC mortality trends were favorable following the 2008 crisis, particularly among low-SEP groups. In men motorcyclists, the upward trend of the pre-crisis period reversed course. •The impact of the 2008 crisis on RTC mortality by socioeconomic position and type of road use remains to be assessed.•In Spain, it was observed a greater reduction in RTC mortality during the crisis than before the crisis.•RTC mortality decreased in all groups studied and was greater in low-SEP groups.•The upward trend in RTC mortality on male motorcyclists before the crisis was reversed, especially in lower SEP groups.