Transportation mode impact on care service utilization and community integration after burn injury – A Burn Model System National Database Study

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Abstract:

Introduction

Community health is affected by transportation access, an underexplored factor in burn outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations of transportation mode with health service utilization and social community integration after burn injury.

Methods

A multicenter burn longitudinal dataset was analyzed from 2018 to 2024. Self-reported transportation modality was examined primarily six months post-injury. The population was categorized into two groups: driving their own vehicle (DOV) and other modes of transportation (OMT). Outcomes included community integration and four health services (physical/occupational therapy, peer support, psychological services, and burn-related surgeries). Regression analyses examined the association between transportation mode and health services, and community integration, controlling for demographic and clinical factors.

Results

Of the 563 participants, 373 (66.3%) reported DOV, 151 (26.8%) riding with someone else, and 31 (5.5%) using public transit. The regression model demonstrated that the DOV group had higher community integration than the OMT group (b = 1.23; 95% CI = 0.74, 1.71; p < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses revealed no significant associations between DOV and service utilization, controlling for demographic and clinical variables.

Conclusion

DOV was associated with better social integration. Addressing transportation barriers may contribute to improved social integration outcomes after burn injury.

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