An analysis of Disability Certificate issued for Road Traffic Accident Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre, Chennai, Tamilnadu

Dr. Jawahar Rajarathnam S; Dr. Arun Murugan

Volume : IX, Issue : III, March - 2020

An analysis of Disability Certificate issued for Road Traffic Accident Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre, Chennai, Tamilnadu

Dr. Jawahar Rajarathnam S, Dr. Arun Murugan

Abstract :

Background: Road traffic accidents are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally and more specifically in India. As per the ministry of road transport and highways report on Road accidents in India in 2018, the incidence of road accidents increased by 0.46% as compared to 2017 claiming over 1.5 lakh lives. This cross sectional study was done to analyse the pattern of disability and mortality in patients admitted after road traffic accidents through disability certificates review in a tertiary care centre of Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. Methods: This cross–sectional study was conducted between July 2019 and December 2019. A total of 280 study subjects with disability certificates were analysed using non– probability consecutive sampling method. The socio–demographic and injury cum disability survey was done using a structured questionnaire. Data was coded, entered and analysed using SPSS version– 16. Result: Out of 280 disability certificates, the mean age was 31.80±15.70 years. Majority belonged to 31–50 years age group and gender wise males were majority. Majority of the study subjects had disability causing injuries to the lower extremities followed by injuries to upper limb and head. One on 5 study subjects were in benchmark disability category Conclusion: Road traffic accidents are more common among male vehicle rider belonging to lower social class and in 31–50 years of age group. Majority of the injury were fracture/dislocation of lower extremities.