IMPACT OF ROAD TRAFFIC INJURY ON JOB LOSS AND FINANCIAL COSTS: A PILOT STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Abstract

Introduction: Global studies have shown that majority of those affected in road traffic accidents (RTA) are young and bread winners of their families. Depending on the part afflicted, most non-fatal injuries have either temporary disability or life-long sequels, which require job modification, rehabilitation and integration back into work and society. However, despite recovery the traumatic experience and disability impact the affected individual and their family. Through this pilot study, an attempt was made to understand the impact of RTA on an individual’s financial status, cost cutting behaviour and sleep affection. Methods: Data was collected during follow-up of patients who were treated for traumatic injuries. Patients were assessed by a selfdesigned questionnaire regarding their financial burdens arising out of injury and treatment, sacrifices in regular life, return to work and losses incurred due to the trauma. Results: A total of 162 patients volunteered to be a part of the study and 76.5% earned below ₹25,000 per month. Data indicated 25% had to pledge their valuables to pay for hospital charges, 79% cut costs on luxury goods and 75% cut on non-essential and recreational activities. At the end of one-month post-accident, more than 43% of participants needed to spend more than thirty minutes to fall asleep and 21% had disturbed sleep. Conclusion: Lower economic status, rural place of residence, lack of insurance and treatment at private health facilities are the key drivers for increased risk of high healthcare expenditure on road traffic injuries. On an individual basis, these cause costly rehabilitation, difficult work atmosphere, sacrifices in personal life and delayed comeback to societal living.