A Study to Determine the Nature and Risk Factors for Road Traffic Injuries

Abstract

Introduction:

In 2010, an estimated 1.3 million road traffic injury (RTI) deaths occurred worldwide, accounting for about 2.5% of all deaths. Mortality in serious injuries is 6 times worse in a developing country such as India compared to a developed country. Strengthening and undertaking research on the public health burden and impact and understanding the risk factors of trauma is the need of the hour.

Aim:

To identify the nature of injury in terms of causes and severity of injury.

Methods:

Using a quantitative approach, a retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted at the emergency and trauma center in Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, New Delhi. The information of all the injured patients seeking health care during the past one year from October 2015 - September 2016 at Emergency and trauma center was collected from the trauma registry forms filled at the time of registration.

Results:

A total of 1952 cases of road traffic injury sought health care during the study period. The average number of cases reported per day was five. Maximum of the cases (40%) were reported between 12-6PM. Among the injured, 82% were males and the majority of victims were between 20-30 years age group followed by 30-40 years.

Discussion:

Trauma services need to be coordinated in infrastructure and human resources so that the right patient is taken to the right hospital at the right time. This calls for a lead agency at the district, state, and finally national level. Safety education regarding road safety should be imparted, especially to all victims, relatives, and the general public to make the care comprehensive. Students in schools and colleges should also be the target for intense safety education.