PATTERN OF EXTERNAL INJURIES AMONG ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS, ASSAM

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to determine different pattern of external injuries in Road Traffic Accidents and thereby suggest recommendations; to improve road safety performance and road traffic injury prevention. Study Design: Hospital-based, one-year cross-sectional study. Setting-Study was conducted in Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, Barpeta, Assam. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 360 RTA victims were included, predesigned-pretested schedule was used. Study variable: Different anatomical sites of injury, fatality in RTA. Statistical analysis: Percentage, chi square test. RESULTS A 41.67% of RTA victims received injury on single site, while majority 58.33% received injury on more than one body region i.e. on multiple sites. Head was the commonest region of injury in 52.68% of victims followed by extremity 27.33%, chest 9.33%, abdomen including perineum 7.33% and face 3.33%. On statistical analysis, definite association was found between multiplicity of involvement of body regions and fatality (X-2 = 7.589, DF = 1, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Compulsory wearing of helmets for motorcyclist. Safer design for motorcycles, e.g. crash guards. Proper protective devices during driving and to follow rules of the road.