Male gender, age and low income are risk factors for road traffic injuries among adolescents. An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Aim: The present umbrella review aimed to take stock of the situation on the considerable literature concerning the main socio-demographic risk factors of adolescents involved in road traffic crashes. Methods: The following bibliographic databases were searched: PubMED, Scopus and Cochrane Library. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between January 2000 and March 2017 and written in English were included. Results: The search identified 13 systematic reviews and 1 meta-analysis. The papers found general agreements of the socio-demographic risk factors at the international level. Males, especially in Africa, Asia and the Arab World, take more risks related to death and injuries; low socio-cultural status and living in deprived socioeconomic areas were characteristics for being at greater risk of motor vehicle crashes worldwide. No unequivocal conclusion has been reached worldwide on the possible effect of different age subgroups: a significant reduction of the number of crashes was obtained in 16 and 17 year olds in the USA after implementing driver’s license testing requirements. Conclusion: The findings clearly showed the need to develop specific injury prevention strategies on the basis of educational level, income and social status. Furthermore these aspects represent the main reasons for inequalities and different levels of efficacy of road safety interventions among the adolescents worldwide.