Road Traffic Accidents and Associated Factors among Victims Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rajnandgaon: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47203/IJCH.2026.v38i03.010Keywords:
Road Traffic Accidents, Traffic Rules, Knowledge Attitude Practice, Human Factors, Vehicle Factors, Environmental Factors.Abstract
Background:Road traffic accidents (RTAs) remain a major public health problem in India, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Chhattisgarh has similarly experienced rising RTA cases, largely due to inadequate awareness, poor compliance with traffic rules and environmental and vehicular risk factors.
Methods:A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over six months among 190 RTA victims attending BRLSABVMMC, Rajnandgaon. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and medical records. Socio-demographic variables, knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) toward traffic rules and contributory factors were assessed.
Results:Most participants were males (87.5%) and belonged to the 20–40-year age group (55.1%). Adequate knowledge, attitude and practice regarding traffic rules were observed in 57.0%, 52.0% and 49.0% of participants respectively, indicating a gap between awareness and actual compliance. Logistic regression showed significant associations between injury severity and human factors. Vehicle-related factors including condition of the vehicle (p = 0.038) and involvement of opposite vehicle (p = 0.016) were also significant. Environmental factors—poor road conditions (p = 0.004), and unusual animal behaviour (p = 0.001)—were strongly associated with RTA outcomes.
Conclusion:The study highlighted that inadequate compliance with traffic rules, risky human behaviour, poor vehicle maintenance and adverse environmental conditions collectively contributed to RTAs.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dhiraj Bhawnani (Author)
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