DefinePK

Research Objective

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

Methodology

Retrospective study conducted at Heavy Industries Taxila Hospital, Taxila Cantt, from October 15, 2022, to January 15, 2023. Data were collected from the accident and emergency record register for 172 RTA cases from January 2021 to December 2022. A World Health Organization (WHO) recommended injury surveillance questionnaire was used to gather demographic data, factors associated with RTAs (human intent, place, activity, nature of injury, mechanism, time), and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Data Collection from Accident & Emergency Register"] --> B["Data Entry into WHO Questionnaire"];
    B --> C["Data Analysis using SPSS v23"];
    C --> D["Identify RTA Cases and Associated Factors"];
    D --> E["Determine Frequency, Injury Type, Age, Gender Associations"];
    E --> F["Formulate Conclusions and Discussion"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights a higher incidence of RTAs among men, particularly in the 15-30 age group, which is attributed to more male drivers and their predominant use of motorcycles. Evening rush hours and winter months were identified as periods with increased RTA frequency, potentially due to increased traffic and reduced visibility. Work-related travel and motorcycle use were significant factors.

Key Findings

- A total of 172 RTA cases were reported.
- Minor injuries constituted 52.3% of all injuries.
- Accidents were most common in males aged 15-30 years (42.4% of cases).
- Most victims were commuting via motorcycle/cycle to or from work in the evening hours (12 pm to 8 pm).
- A greater number of cases were reported in winter months.
- Most accidents occurred accidentally, without any element of suicide.
- Vehicle collisions were the most common cause of injury (88 cases), followed by being hit by an object/animal (80 cases).

Conclusion

Road traffic accidents causing minor injuries are frequently reported at Heavy Industries Taxila Hospital. There appears to be an association between RTA occurrence and the male gender and the 15-30 age group. Accidents are more common during evening rush hours, involving young males on motorcycles traveling to or from work, and are more prevalent in winter.

Fact Check

- A total of 172 RTA cases were reported in the study period (2021-2022).
- Minor injuries accounted for 52.3% of all injuries.
- Males constituted 86.6% of RTA victims.

Mind Map