Differences between attendance in emergency care of male and female victims of traffic accidents in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Abstract

Driving under the influence of alcohol/ drugs (DUI) is a well-established risk factor for traffic accidents, and men and women have different consumption patterns. The scope of this paper is to analyze differences in alcohol and drug consumption, as well as on behavior associated with traffic accidents among men and women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 609 sequential traffic accident victims attended in emergency care from Porto Alegre. Subjects gave a structured interview, were breathalyzed and had a saliva test for alcohol/drug screening. Results showed that women were mainly passengers or pedestrians (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in positive blood alcohol concentration. However, men reported more binge drinking and THC use, while women had more benzodiazepine in their saliva (p<0.05). This is the first Brazilian study to compare alcohol and drug use among men and women who were the victims of traffic accidents. Results point to differences in the pattern of substance abuse, as well on risk behavior. Data may be useful for specific prevention strategies that take gender differences into consideration.

Dirigir sob a influência de álcool/drogas (DUI) contribui para ocorrência de acidentes de trânsito, sendo que homens e mulheres diferem quanto ao seu consumo. Objetivo: Analisar as diferenças no consumo de álcool/drogas e nos comportamentos de risco para dirigir entre homens e mulheres. Método: Estudo transversal, com amostra consecutiva de 609 vítimas de acidentes de trânsito atendidas nas emergências de Porto Alegre. Realizou-se entrevista estruturada, teste de bafômetro e saliva para screening de álcool e drogas. Resultados: As mulheres acidentaram-se principalmente como passageiras e pedestres, (p < 0.001). Não houve diferença na triagem para abuso/dependência ou alcoolemia positiva. Porém, os homens referiram mais “beber pesado” e utilizaram mais THC e cocaína, enquanto as mulheres utilizaram benzodiazepínicos (p < 0.05). Conclusão: Este é o primeiro estudo brasileiro a comparar uso de álcool e drogas entre homens e mulheres vítimas de acidentes de trânsito. Os dados podem ser úteis na elaboração de estratégias específicas de prevenção que considerem as diferenças de gênero.