An Epidemiological Survey of Traffic Accident Victims Who Referred to Khatam Al Anbia Hospital in Zahedan

The increase in morbidity and mortality rates owing to traffic accidents has become a major global concern. The use of epidemiological information pertinent to traffic accidents has a key role in prevention programs; therefore, the current study was done to determine the epidemiological characteristics of victims of traffic accidents who referred to Khatam Al Anbia Hospital in Zahedan. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, out of 466 traffic accident victims who referred to Khatam Al Anbia Hospital in Zahedan, a sample of 210 people were selected randomly. Data were collected with a checklist that included 4 sections: demographic information, accident, clinical features, and discharge information of injured patients. Data extraction and checklist completion were done by going to the hospital and studying the patients’ records. SPSS software version 16 was used for data analysis. According to results of the research, 82.9% of victims were male, 61% single, and 35.2% were in the age group of 16-25 years old. 35.2% were motorcyclists and most of the injuries (34.8%) were fractures. The body organs mostly affected by injury were head and neck (40.5%). Surgical procedures were performed for most victims (42.4%). 3.5% of victims died. The findings showed that male, single, and young people were more involved in traffic accidents than other groups. Therefore, the adoption of community-based prevention programs is one of the important recommendations of this study. In this regard, the use of media and schools to institutionalize the culture of driving and traffic can be highlighted.