Abstract

PATTERN OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INJURIES IN YOUNG ADULTS

Havagiray R Chitme*, Mohammed Al Harbi and Tareq Said Nasser Al Saadi

Abstract

Continuous increase in number of road traffic accident injuries has become a concern globally. These non-fatal injuries results in increased medical expenditure due to disabilities and huge loss of productive Man-days especially if associated with young adult age group. Impact of these injuries can be estimated based on the type of injuries in this age group population. Therefore, present study was carried out with an objective of determining types of injuries, consequences and hospitalization due to road traffic accidents. Present study was retrospective Cross-sectional, carried out in a secondary care hospital for one year period. A total of 202 accident cases from 20 years up to 40 years of age group were included in the study. Results of present study indicates that most of the accident associated injuries were recorded in the younger population (ages 20 – 24), having the highest rate of multiple body injuries followed by head injury. It is therefore, very crucial to prevent serious injuries specially in young adult age group by active involvement of health professionals and understand the young drivers risky driving behaviours so that appropriate action can be taken up to improve the situation in productive population. We strongly recommend for an awareness campaign especially in schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, health centres, shopping malls and sportive events to emphasize the patterns of road traffic accident in young adults to prevent double loss to the country, society and community in general.

Keywords: Road traffic accident, Road traffic accident injury, Young adult, Injury, Nonfatal injury.