Road traffic accidents and their associated factors: A retrospective study at Heavy Industries Taxila Hospital, Taxila Cantt

RTA and its associated factors

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the frequency, type of injury and association of age and gender in the pattern of road traffic accident (RTA) injuries.

Study Design: Retrospective study

Study Place: Heavy Industries Taxila Hospital, allied hospital of HITEC-IMS (Heavy Industries Taxila Education City-Institute of Medical Sciences)

Duration Of Study: 3 months

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology HITEC-IMS from 15 Oct 2022 to 15 January 2023. Data were obtained from the accident and emergency record register of Heavy Industries Taxila Hospital. The record contained 172 road traffic accident cases. Data from these cases were entered into an approved and pre validated injury surveillance questionnaire recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The questionnaire included information such as demographic data for example age, sex and various factor associated with road traffic accidents such as role of human intent, place of occurrence, activity, nature of injury, mechanism of injury and time of injury. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 23.

Results: A total of 172 RTA cases were reported in these two years with minor injuries making 52% of total cases. Accidents were most commonly seen in males in the age group of 15-30 years. Most of the road traffic accident victims were commuting via motorcycle/cycle to or from work in the evening hours (12pm to 8pm). The number of cases reported in winter months was greater. Most of the accident cases reported had occurred accidentally without any element of suicide. Patients were then given treatment in hospital and discharged except those requiring continuous care.

Conclusion: Road traffic accidents causing minor injuries are frequently reported in Heavy Industries Taxila Hospital, moreover, there might be an association of road traffic accident occurrence with male gender and age group (15-30 years).