Epidemiological study on road traffic accidents in Al-Najaf city during 2011

Abstract

Objective: this study was conducted to establish database about road traffic accidents (RTAs) morbidity and mortality and some associated factors in Al-Najaf city.

Design: A descriptive study on road traffic accidents injuries and deaths that had been admitted to the emergency unit at Al-Sader teaching hospital during the period of first of January till 31 December 2011. The data were collected in the statistics department of Al-Sader teaching hospital and then analyzed according to the month, sex and age group.

Results: The results of our study included 3438 RTAs that had been admitted to the emergency unit consisted of 2092 (61%) males and 1346 (39%) females, number of deaths that happen within 24 hours of admission to emergency unit were 14. The number of deaths among males were 10(71%) and females 4(29%). October had the highest road traffic accidents (556) while July had the lowest road traffic accidents (72). The age group that was mostly affected was 15-44 years.

Conclusion: There was marked increase in the RTA in 4 months (September, October, November and December). RTA injuries affected 15-44 year age group more than the other age groups followed by 5-14 year age group. Males were Affected more than females. Deaths were not related to the number of RTA ( there is no relationship between deaths and the number of crashes but it depends on the severity of the crashes) and this need improving road safety legislations and putting them into action (speed limits, seatbelt laws, helmet laws) and education of people about the danger of speed and the importance of seatbelt wearing and proper and rapid hospital care.