Factors and Pattern of Injuries Associated with Road Traffic Accidents in Hilly District of Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: In 21st century, road traffic accidents (RTA) are considered as increasing epidemic of non-communicable disease which is abandoned and needs special attention to prevent them. The aim of this study was to assess the factors and pattern of injuries associated with road traffic accidents. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 112 RTA victims and 56 drivers in Palpa District of Nepal. The association of factors and pattern of injuries with exposure to accidents was assessed using Fisher’s exact test. Bivariate logistic regression examined the association between driving and socio-demographics factors and exposure to road accidents. Results: Of 112 RTA victims, 50% were in the age group of 21 to 40 years and 71.4% were male. Drivers who were in the age less than or equal to 30 years were more likely (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.0, 14.3) to expose to an accident than those who were above 30 years. Similarly, those having driving speed less than 40 km/hr were less likely to expose to an accident than those with speed 40 - 60 km/hr (OR: 6.0; 95% CI: 0.8, 73.5) and those with speed more than 60 km/hr (OR 7.8; 95% CI: 1.0, 100.1). Moreover, the driving experience was also found positively associated (OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 1.1, 35.5) with the exposure to an accident. Conclusion: Being in younger age group, male gender, morning time, the driving speed, driving experiences, and driving hours on the road were positively associated with RTA. The efforts should be made to enforce laws in control of speed targeting experienced drivers and those with younger age groups.