Prioritisation of road traffic injury interventions: results of a participative research with stakeholders in Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this study is to use a qualitative approach to prioritise road traffic injury (RTI) interventions for the city of Cuernavaca in Mexico. Seven focus group discussions and two nominal groups were held with participants representing different road users and social groups. All the focus group sessions were recorded and video filmed. Processing and analysis of the information gathered was done using qualitative methods. The problem of RTIs was well recognised by members of the local community, represented by participants in this study. The participants showed knowledge of the causes and related urban development dynamics. Participants identified possible interventions, and even rated them. The participatory approach utilised generated helpful insights and it enabled the researchers to identify key local actors and issues, for example, concerns of different road users, perception of certain factors and actors as causes of RTIs, and attitudes and behaviour within a specific physical environment. A prioritised list for 18 different interventions was developed. The first one will be implemented to prevent RTIs in the youth population. Understanding the social context to analyse the problem and possible solutions as seen by the community is important when analysing public health problems because it informs decision making when developing and implementing interventions.

Keywords:

• participative research
• qualitative methods
• road traffic injuries
• stakeholders
• Mexico

Acknowledgements

These findings are from a community-based road traffic injury prevention project supported by the World Health Organization and the National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico. We want to acknowledge the input and technical assistance of Khayesi Meleckidzedeck from the Road Traffic Injury Prevention, Department of Injuries and Violence Prevention, WHO in Geneva Switzerland.