Injury Patterns And Associated Factors of Pedestrians Admitted to Colombo South Teaching Hospital (CSTH) Sri Lanka Following Non-Fatal Road Traffic Accidents

Abstract

Attached• Back ground: A thorough analysis of injury-patterns, risk and contributory factors of pedestrian-accidents is essential [toachieve a better insight into the changing trends of this problem. : Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire on 450 pedestrians admitted to CSTH following non-fatal traffic-accidents over a period of two years. Results: 69% of the affected were males. 70% were above 50 years and 13% were below 10 years. 7.4% had consumed liquor and 13.6% were using mobile phones at the time of the accident. 10% was previously diagnosed as having psychiatric-disturbances. 13%, 18% and 8% had visual, hearing and gait disturbances respectively. 16% admitted being under stress. 69% of accidents occurred during 1pm to 6 pm. and 70% on main roads. 60% occurred during crossing the road. 43.8% occurred on a pedestrian-crossing. 22% admitted contributory negligence on their part white 60% exclusively incriminated the driver of the offending vehicle. 78% claimed of over-speeding. Three­ -wheelers, motor-bikes, motor-cars and private buses were incriminated at a rate of 45%, 26%, 15% and 12% respectively. 74% of the injuries were confined to lower and upper limbs, 56% of injuries consisted of abrasions, contusions and lacerations only. 31% had sustained fractures and 2.5% had non-fatal internal organ damage. No significant co-relation was seen between the category of hurt and alcohol consumption or mental illness. . Conclusion: The elderly are the most vulnerable. Attention is needed for rectifyingthe process of crossing main roads. Key words: pedestrians, non-fatal road accidents, alcohol, pedestrian crossing