[Traffic accidents in the Spanish population].

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to analyze the accident phenomenon in general, and in the particular case of road accidents, using to this purpose the 1993 National Health Survey.

METHODS

The National Health Survey of 1993 was carried out in 26,334 inhabitants (21,084 adults > 16 years of age and 5,250 children). This survey tends to study the characteristics and distribution of the morbidity by the Spanish population.

RESULTS

7.8% of the population had suffered an accident in the last twelve months. 1.6% has suffered a road accident. Road accidents were more common in men and in the 11-30 age group. 52.1% out the casualties in road accidents were assisted in an emergency department. The most common injuries were bumps and contusions (53.4%) and fractures and wounds (42.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Road accidents are frequent in the Spanish population, specially in men and young adults; also, they often need to use sanitary services.