Epidemiological study of road traffic accident cases in emergency department of tertiary care centre of Eastern Nepal

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) pose a major challenge to emergency with often a need for multidisciplinary approach. Recent times have seen an increasing trend of this modern epidemic, especially in low economy countries. The objectives of the study were to estimate the proportion of RTA-related injuries in the emergency department of a medical university in Eastern Nepal and describe the patient profile. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Emergency Department, BPKIHS, Eastern Nepal, from January to December 2012. Results: More than half (53%) of the RTA victims were 20–40 age group with a male-to-female ratio of 2.2. The most common season for the occurrence of accidents was spring (35.7%) and the most common weekday was the weekends (30%). Two wheelers were the most common vehicles involved (80%). Fractures of lower limbs were the most common diagnosis. Bad prognosis showed an association with triage score (P = 0.001), alcohol consumption (P = 0.001), and type of vehicle (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The people of the most active and productive age groups are involved in RTAs. Majority have secondary level and above by literacy status. The accident rates were higher in male than female groups. Road accidents were more common in winter and spring.