Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Faculty of medicine - Al Azhar university (Damietta)
2
Anesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Therapy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt
3
department of forensic medicine and clinical toxicology, faculty of medicine, boys Al-Azhar university
4
Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt
10.21608/aimj.2025.404705.2679
Abstract
Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a significant global public health concern, contributing extensively to hospital admissions, injury-related disabilities, and mortality. Understanding injury patterns and risk factors is essential for forensic assessment and prevention efforts.
Aim: This study aimed to identify the causes and risk factors associated with RTAs, document injury patterns among different categories of victims, and evaluate clinical outcomes.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 220 RTA victims admitted to New Damietta Hospital. Victims were categorized as pedestrians, drivers, front seat passengers, rear seat passengers, or motorcyclists. Data collected included victim status, type of vehicle, accident timing and location, road type, injury distribution, and severity.
Results: Significant associations were found between victim status and age, particularly among pedestrians and motorcyclists (P = 0.001). Injury distribution significantly varied with status, notably in head, neck, and limb injuries (P = 0.049), with a specific significance for limb trauma (P = 0.007). Males were more frequently affected than females across all age groups (P < 0.001). Female fatalities were highest in the 0–10-year age group (6%), significantly greater than males of the same group (3%) (P = 0.002).
Conclusion: RTAs represent a serious threat to public safety in Egypt, especially among young males, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. The study highlights the importance of preventive measures, enforcing safety regulations, and prospective medico-legal documentation in mitigating RTA-related morbidity and mortality.
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