Aim: The aim of this study is to identify the sociodemographic profile of road traffic accident (RTA) cases, the type of road users involved and the counterpart involved in the accidents.
Introduction: The advancements in health and health-related sciences have resulted in a decrease in morbidity and mortality due to communicable diseases, leading to an increase in life expectancy. However, road traffic accidents are still a major cause of death worldwide, causing around 1.3 million deaths annually, especially among young people aged 15-29 years. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists account for almost half (46%) of these deaths.
Methodology: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Emergency Department& Hospital of S.N Medical College, Agra. A total of 425 RTA cases were registered for the study using systematic sampling technique. Cases or their attendants were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire.
Results: Out of 425 RTA cases, the majority were Hindus (90.6%), males (89.6%), from urban areas (72%), married (65.8%), and illiterate (62.8%). Most belonged to the age group of 16-30 years (40.0%) and were laborers (42.3%), while the majority (82.8%) were from the upper-lower social class. A significant proportion of RTA victims were pedestrians or cyclists. Maximum (33.2%) cases were hit by two-wheelers, followed by those who were hit by LMV (22.8%). A little less than 20% of the cases were not hit by any motorized vehicle.
Conclusion: The majority of RTA cases occur in the economically productive age group, who are married. Therefore, their hospitalization or disability places a significant economic burden on their families.
Author(s) Details:
Verma P.,
Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Kannauj, U.P, India.
Singh G.,
Department of Community Medicine, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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