The Occurrence and Determinants of Motor Vehicle Injuries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
1989-05
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Addis Ababa Univerisity
Abstract
This is a study of hospital treated motor vehicle injuries
occurring in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Injuries are desc ribed in
terms of their circumstance, type, and consequence . Drivers
caus ing injury and their vehicles were compared with randomly
selected control drivers in order to identify important driver
and vehicle determinants of injury. The investigation was
carried out between August 21, 1988 and November 12, 1988.
During the twelve week period of study, 1050 hospital
treated injuries were identified, for an overall incidence
density of 279.4 per 100,000 person years. The mortality rate
was 17.6 per 100,000 populati on per year and these fatalities
accounted for an estimated 11,154 years of potential life l ost
before age 65. The annua l vehi c le inflicted injury i ncidence
density rate was 94 .6 in j u r i es pe r 1,000 cars registered.
The majori t y ( 90 . 6%) of the injured we re pedestrians and
48.9% were between 11 and 30 years of age. The commonest body
parts affected was multiple parts (43.6%), the extremities
(26.5%) and the head (22.0%). The most frequent type of injur ies
were l acerations (42.1.%) and fractures (14.9%).
Driver characteristics plac ing an individual at increased
risk of inflicting injury were mal e gender, under age 25 with
less than 5 years driving e xperiences , a nd being pri vately
employed with a taxi o r sma ll bu s d ri vers licence. Elevated
risks were also f ound fo r the following motor vehicle
v
characteristics; buses, taxis, privat e ownership, and less than 5
years on the road. Based upon a multiple regression ana l ysis for
the prediction cf motor vehicle injuries, the mos t important
predictions in order of their strength of association were found
tc be; motor vehicle age, drivers age, drivers gender and motor
vehicle type.
This study has documented the high motor vehicle morbidity
and mortality rates occurring,
male population of Addis Ababa.
in particular, among the young ~
Several driver and vehicle
determ inants of t his important public health problem have been
identified,and recommendations have been given for the planning
of future preventive programs, safegurding and educating the road
user.
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The Occurrence and Determinants