Pattern of road traffic injuries and management capacity of tertiary care hospitals of Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract

Background: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are considered among the leading public health concerns especially in the developing countries like Pakistan. It has considerable impacts on the economy and productivity of communities. Effective implementation of safety measures and efficient management of traffic accidents can only be achieved through multi-disciplinary approach. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the pattern of road traffic injuries and management capacity of public sector tertiary care hospitals of Gilgit-Baltistan. It also explored the association of RTIs with socio-demographic variables and potential risk factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the public sector tertiary care hospitals of Gilgit-Baltistan. A total of 386 RTI patients were consecutively selected for the purpose of the study. Data about RTI patients were collected through an adapted questionnaire while, WHO situational analysis tool for EESC was used to assess the capacity of health facilities. Chi-square of Independence was applied to check the association of RTIs with socio-demographic and risk factors. Results: Among the 386 respondents, males 310 (80.3%) were more commonly involved than females 76 (19.7%). The highest number 148 (38.3%) of victims were between 16 and 30 years of age. There was significant association between injury severity score (ISS) and socio-demographic variables (p value <0.05) like gender, age, education level, and occupation. High speed, type of vehicle, use of seat belt, location of accident, and unlicensed drivers were the main risk factors which were found strongly associated (p value <0.05) with ISS and nature of injury. Health facilities were generally lacking disposable surgical items and were facing power shortage across the province. Conclusion: Recent developments in communication infrastructure are considerably influencing the dynamics of Gilgit-Baltistan. Road traffic accidents are increasing in the region which needs the attention of policy makers and concerned stakeholders. Young people without proper license and knowledge of traffic rules are being reported with traffic injuries. Strict implementation of traffic rules, speed regulation, and scientific designs of roads are needed to avoid the RTA catastrophe. This study revealed that use of helmet and seat belt is iv almost negligible in Gilgit-Baltistan. Therefore, head and neck injuries along with fractures and multiple injuries are frequently reported. Provincial government is introducing many reforms in the health sector yet majority of the health facilities are lacking human resource, disposable surgical items and uninterrupted power supply. Keywords: Road traffic accidents, Road traffic injuries, Management capacity, Tertiary care hospitals, risk factors, Gilgit-Baltistan