Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs)

Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs)

Abstract

Globally, Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) is ranked 8th among the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years lost among all populations. It is the leading cause of death for children and young adults 5-29 years of age. The burden is disproportionately borne by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, in particular, those living in developing countries. In Africa, The estimated pooled rate for road traffic injury is 65.2 per 100 000 population, and this shows an increase from 40.7 per 100 000 population in the 1990s to 92.9 per 100 000 population between 2010 and 2015. In Kenya, Over three thousand people are killed annually on Kenyan roads, pedestrians, and passengers being the most vulnerable; they account for 80% of the deaths. Despite the marked increase in road crashes in Kenya, little effort has been made to develop and implement effective interventions. Therefore there is a need to improve the collection and availability of accurate data to help in recognizing traffic injury as a priority public health problem, thereby raising awareness of policymakers on existing effective countermeasures and mobilizing resources for implementation. This study to be conducted in Kirinyaga County will aim mainly at assessing the pattern of motorcycle-related injuries and mortality rates in Kerugoya town and to ascertain the need of attention as far as the safety of road users are concerned, mainly those opting for the motorcycle as their mode of transport of choice. The study will primarily be a descriptive, cross-sectional study, retrospective in nature. Whereby data will be collected through analysis of already existing records of motorcycle crash victims, available at both Kerugoya hospital’s accidents and emergency department; and from kerugoya police post. Sampling will be done, and an assumed minimum sample of 197 will be selected or used. This has been calculated using Cochran’s 1963 formula and adjusted using a simplified formula for proportions, by Yamane (1967). Data collection will be done using structured checklists. A one year review of existing records from Kerugoya referral hospital and a one year review of data from the county traffic police will be done. Data analysis will be done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22, and analyzed data will be presented by the use of tables, pie chart, and graphical representations. The outcome of this study will enhance road safety and policymaking in Kirinyaga county and Kenya as a whole.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Contents

STUDENT’S DECLARATION AND RECOMMENDATION BY SUPERVISOR.. 1

DECLARATION.. 1

RECOMMENDATION.. 1

LIST OF FIGURES. 4

ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS. 5

Abstract 6

CHAPTER 1. 7

INTRODUCTION CHAPTER.. 7

1.2 Introduction. 7

1.3 Background to the study. 8

1.4 Problem statement 8

1.5 The broad/ main objective of the research. 9

1.6 Specific objectives. 9

1.7 The research questions. 10

1.8 Significance of the study. 10

1.9 Scope of the study. 10

CHAPTER 2. 11

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW… 11

2.1 Theoretical review and conceptual framework. 11

The safe system approach. 11

2.1.1 Haddon matrix model 12

2.2 Profiles of people affected by RTIs. 13

2.3 Risk factors influencing crash involvement 15

CHAPTER 3. 17

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND DATA COLLECTION TOOLS. 17

3.1 Study site. 17

3.2 Study design. 17

3.3 Study population. 17

3.4 Study variables. 17

3.5 Sample size determination. 18

3.6 Data collection tools. 19

3.7 Inclusion criteria. 19

3.8 Data management and analysis. 19

3.9 Ethical consideration. 19

References: 21

APENDICESS. 22

APPENDIX 1. 22

INFORMATION SHEET. 22

APPENDIX 2. 24

CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RESEARCH STUDY.. 24

APPENDIX 3. 27

QUESTIONNAIRE. 27

APPENDIX 4. 33

LIST OF FIGURES. 33

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Safe systems approach on road traffic crash prevention. 26

Figure 2: Haddon matrix. 27

ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS

WHO- world Health Organization

WBG – The World Bank Group

DALYS – Disability Adjusted Life Years

OECD – Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

RTIs – Road Traffic Injuries

GRSF – Global Road Safety Facility

DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS USED

• Collision-collision in this study has been used to mean a form of coming violently in contact between two vehicles on the motion. This can result in damage to either one vehicle body or both.
• Disability-this is a state of being disabled. Disability n this study has been used to refer to those people with physical disabilities as a result of an accident.
• Injuries- this is damage to the human body.
• Low-income countries- refer to those countries with a per capita income of low than $ 400.
• Motorcycle/motorbike- this is an open seated motor-powered vehicle with two wheels.
• Motorcyclists-is someone who rides on and operates a motorcycle.
• Middle-income countries-refers to those countries with a per capita income ranging between $400 and $4000
• Passengers. Refer to a person who rides on or travels by motorcycle but does not operate it.
• Pedestrians- are somebody who goes on foot on the road or near the roadways rather than using a vehicle.
• Transport- refers to a form of movement from one place to the next
• Vulnerable – has been used in this study to refer to a state of being at a higher risk or chances of being involved in a road traffic crash.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.2 Background to the study

Globally, every day, approximately 16,000 people die from all types of injuries. Injuries represent 12% of all global burden diseases, the third most important cause of overall mortality and the main cause of death among 1 to 40 year-olds. The category of injuries worldwide is dominated by those incurred in road crashes. Deaths from road traffic injuries account for 25% of all deaths from injury (WHO, 2010).

As a mode of road transport, a motorcycle is increasingly becoming a popular means of transportation in low and middle-income countries (WHO 2010). In recent years, there has been generally an increase in the use of motorcycles globally, and in the last six years, the number of registered motorcycles has increased dramatically. In Kenya currently, there is no official data on the total number of registered motorcycles, though other sources estimate that motorcycles account for 70% of motor vehicles registered in Kenya each year (Matheka et al…, 2015).

Road traffic injuries and deaths involving motorcycle have increased noticeably, putting a heavy burden on families, communities, health systems, and the country in general. In 2010, a total of 3035 road traffic deaths were reported by the Kenya traffic police, and of these, approximately 7% were motorcycle-related (WHO, 2010).In 2015, there were 4,976 motorcyclists killed. This presents an 8% increase from the 4,594 motorcyclists killed in 2014. An estimated 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in 2015 (NHTSA, 2015).

Kenya, being a low income country, has an estimated road fatality rate of 20.9 per 100,000 populations, higher than that of the European region (10.3 per 100,000 populations). The Kenyan Vision 2030, launched in the year 2008, aims to transform Kenya into a middle-income country from the current third world state. (Matheka et al, 2015)

1.3 Problem statement

In the recent past, many people in the developing world have resorted to use of motorbikes as a mean of transport. Motorbike use in Kenya, popularly known as “Boda-Boda” has been preferred by many for its convenience. Besides its advantages of use, motorcycles in Kenya have contributed to the growing history of road traffic accident injuries and mortality in the country.

In Kenya, It is estimated that about 3000 people die each year and 30000 are seriously injured in road traffic crashes. Therefore annual records show that this has been among the leading causes of morbidity, mortality and disability in the country. In over 75% of these fatality cases, the casualties are usually young energetic adults who are the main contributors of economic growth in the country (WHO, 2010). As Kenya is moving towards achieving vision 2030, these young Kenyans’ lives need to be saved and proper communication made to ensure that mortalities are reduced as far as road safety is concerned. This will help retain these patriotic fellows and as a country provide support and knowledge for moving towards achieving the sustainable development goals.

1.5 The broad/ main objective of the research

To determine the injury patterns and mortality rate of motorcycle related injuries in Kerugoya- Kirinyaga County.

1.6 Specific objectives

1. To determine the prevalence of motorcycle related injuries and mortality in Kerugoya.
2. To describe the pattern of motorcycle related injuries in Kerugoya Town.
3. To identify the major factors associated with motorcycle related injuries in kerugoya town

1.7 The research questions

:

1. What is the prevalence of motorcycle related injuries and deaths in Kerugoya town?
2. What are the patterns of motorcycle related injuries among patients attending Kerugoya level IV hospital?
3. What are the factors associated with motorcycle related injuries in kerugoya town?

1.8 Justification of the study

This study will help assess the injury patterns and mortality rates associated with motorcycle crash and describe the factors related to RTIs in kerugoya town in Kenya. Moreover, based on the factors, this study will recommend the possible prevention and control options to decision makers and other stakeholders in order to decrease death and disability resulting from road traffic accidents in the county. This will lower the degree of effects following accidents, either to the individual (survivors from accidents), to the families, community and the country as a whole. Studying the morbidity and mortality pattern of these motorcyclists will reveal the burden of the problem, since deaths and injuries resulting from road traffic crashes have not really been seen as a matter of public health importance. Besides, the 2030 agenda for sustainable development recognizes that road safety is a prerequisite to ensuring healthy lives, promoting well-being and making cities resilient, sustainable and safe

1.9 Scope of the study

This study will strictly focus on describing the pattern and intensity of motorcycle related road traffic injuries in Kerugoya to examine the key determinants and risk factors associated with the injuries and finally to make a recommendation for action in order to address the problem. Any other aspect apart from these would not be looked at.