Road traffic injuries and their associated risk factors in Dibrugarh district, Assam: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world and especially in developing countries like India, out of which many goes unreported. As such, this study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of RTIs and their associated risk factors in Dibrugarh district of Assam. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 820 samples taken from both urban and rural areas of Dibrugarh district. Data was collected by personal interview using a pre-designed, pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data is presented in percentages and association was tested using logistic regression analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of RTIs was found to be 4.4%. Prevalence of RTI was higher amongst males (6.85%), people belonging to age group of 18-30 yrs and people who were unemployed (26.2%). Also, most of the accidents were found to occur during night time (47.2%), amongst two wheelers (52.8%) and more in the rural areas than the urbans. A high prevalence of alcohol consumption (58.3%) and usage of mobile phones (16.7%) while driving was seen with the RTIs. Also only 25% and 13% of the RTI victims were using helmets and seatbelts respectively while riding their bikes/cars. Conclusions: Prevalence of RTIs was quite high amongst the population of Dibrugarh district along with high prevalence of risky behaviour while driving. As such, awareness regarding this hazardous problem amongst people and how to take proper preventive measures is of utmost importance.