The Coping Mechanism of Road Traffic Accident Victims: The Case of ALERT Hospital Trauma CenterAddis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2016-2017
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Date
2019-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Road Traffic accident (RTA) is an unplanned occurrence of auto crash that may result in injuries, loss of lives and properties and it’s a collision between two or more vehicles, vehicles and pedestrians, vehicles and animals, or vehicles and fixed obstacles. The factors contributing to these accidents can be classified as causes due human factors, external factor and Vehicle condition. RTA victims use different coping mechanisms to help them manage difficult and/or painful emotions. Coping mechanisms can help people adjust to stressful events while maintaining their emotional well-being. Some of the coping mechanisms are support from families, treatments and peer supports. Objective: To explore the coping mechanism of road traffic accident victims in ALERT Hospital Trauma Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2016/2017. Method: A qualitative health institution based study among 18 RTA victims admitted or attending outpatient department in ALERT trauma center wards and 6 key informants working in the center hospital was conducted from November 2016-June 2017. The variables in the study were like trend of RTA, coping mechanisms and supportive treatment are also assessed. The data was collected using an in-depth interview. The study used categorical analysis and reporting the findings on the interview in the aggregate for similar pattern of responses of participants.
Result: Based on the participants’ expeleriences, the “supportive needs” which are treatment, social and peer-support were the major information extracted from the data of this study.The result alos show some challenges in the trauma center for both victims (Feeling of sadness when looking their body disfigured, to stay in the hospital any longer than they imagine etc. ) and for the trauma center( mismatch between the number of caregivers and of patients coming to the center).
Conclusion: Both the key informant interview and in-depth interview of victims show that burden of RTA is increasing from time to time and patients are dealing with accident consequence in different ways. The study also drawn implication for different stakeholders to promote , to create awareness of the case, for further researches to be conducted so better action can be taken in the future.
Key words:Road traffic accidents, trauma, stress, victim survivor, PTD
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Keywords
Road traffic accidents, trauma, stress, victim survivor, PTD