Traffic injury deaths in West Azarbaijan province of Iran: a cross-sectional interview-based study on victims' characteristics and pre-hospital care

Abstract

This study highlights the socio-demographics and death circumstances of victims of fatal road traffic injuries (RTIs) in one Iranian province. A representative sample of cases was selected from a national register and interviews were conducted with the victims' family members. The study shows that there is a strong association between victim attributes (e.g. sex, age, occupation, education or marital status) and category of road-user. Although men are over-represented in all categories, women die above all as car passengers or pedestrians. Deaths of vulnerable road-users are more frequent among the younger and older age groups. Two-thirds of all deaths occurred before arrival at the hospital and 11% of the victims received ambulance transport. The patterns of fatal RTIs observed in the province differ somewhat from the rest of Iran and other low- and middle-income countries. Not only pre- but also post-crash counter-measures could help save lives in the region.

Keywords:

• vulnerable road-user
• protected road-user
• pre-hospital care
• motorcyclists

Acknowledgements

This study was sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran both financially and administratively. The authors also acknowledge the contributions of the Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Special thanks to Dr. Nosratollah Farazmand for conducting the survey in WAP. The authors also thank Maryam Bigdeli and Dr. Nahid Jafari for their contributions in data-entering and analysis.