Road Traffic Injuries and Associated Factors among Older Adults Using Motorcycles with Sidecars in Chachoengsao Province

OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to study the factors related to the occurrence of accidents from using motorcycles with sidecars among Older Adults in Chachoengsao Province. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected data from older adults using motorcycles with sidecars (MwS) in Chachoengsao province. Eligible participants were 60 or older, lived in Chachoengsao, and used MwS. This study includes participants’ demographic characteristics, traffic knowledge, perceptions towards environmental safety and vehicle safety conditions. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with a road traffic injuries (RTIs). RESULTS: Of 600 participants, 53.3% reported RTIs in the past year. Factors associated with RTIs included primary education level (aOR 1.96, 95%CI 1.05-3.64), monthly incomes below 10,000 baht (aOR 2. 23, 95%CI 1.25-3.99), presence of at least one chronic disease (aOR 2.48, 95%CI 1. 53-4.02), not wearing a helmet (aOR 4.12, 95%CI 2.21-7.69), and inadequate knowledge of traffic signs and sidecar driving (aOR 18.19, 95%CI 11. 23-29.48). CONCLUSION: Key findings indicate that lower education levels, lower monthly incomes, chronic diseases, and inadequate knowledge of road safety significantly increase the risk of RTIs. Moreover, despite self-reported safety checks, a substantial number of MwS did not meet safety standards during official inspections. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve road safety knowledge and vehicle safety among older adults.