Frequency of risk factors associated with road traffic accidents of motorbike in a big city of a developing country

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of risk factors associated with road traffic accidents of motorbike in Karachi, Pakistan. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the two tertiary care hospitals [Civil Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center] of Karachi, Pakistan. All male motorbike accident victims presented to the emergency department of the selected hospital, who gave consent, were included in the study. Patients under age 15 years and do not understand Urdu language were excluded. Information was collected through a pretested questionnaire. A total of 127 accident cases from respected hospitals were included in the study. Most [76%] of the accident cases were younger than 33 years. Approximately, 49% of the participants were riding the bikes without driving license. Nearly, 43% never used helmet during riding. Approximately, 21% were reported that they were chewing tobacco at the time of accident. Majority [71%] of the accidents occurred on the working days. Almost 61% of the accidents occurred in the evening time. In 43% of the cases, speed of the motorbikes was more than 50 km/hour. Nearly, 31% of the victims were riding along with their friends/family members. Majority [72%] of the accidents occurred on the main roads. Approximately 45% of the accident cases had fracture. Approximately, 34% of the injuries were severe and lower extremity was involved in 36% of cases. About, 38% of the victims reported that they were in depressed moods while riding bike. Mental depression, young age and lack of driving expertise were the major risk factors for motor bike accidents