Epidemiological characteristics of deaths from road traffic accidents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a study based on traffic police records (2018–2020)

Alemayehu, Micheal; Woldemeskel, Asfawesen; Olani, Ararso Baru; Bekelcho, Tariku · 2023 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00791-0

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Summary

This study addresses the high burden of road traffic accidents (RTAs) in Ethiopia, specifically aiming to assess the epidemiological characteristics of RTA-related deaths in Addis Ababa. Despite Ethiopia having some of the highest RTI prevalence rates globally, there is limited data on the specific factors contributing to fatal crashes in the country. The research seeks to identify these factors to inform targeted public health interventions and road safety policies. The researchers conducted a retrospective observational study using secondary data from Addis Ababa traffic police records spanning 2018 to 2020. The study population included all 8,458 recorded RTA victims reported to police stations during this period. Data were extracted regarding socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, education), vehicle-related factors (ownership, type), and environmental variables (weather, road type, time of day). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while binary logistic regression models were employed to identify independent associations with fatality, adjusting for potential confounders. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The results indicated that 1,274 accidents (15.1%) resulted in death, while 7,184 (84.1%) caused non-fatal injuries. Males accounted for 77.1% of fatalities, with a sex ratio of approximately 3.36:1. Most fatalities occurred on straight roads (80%) and during dry weather (86.8%). Pedestrians represented the majority of victims (79.8%). Multivariable analysis identified three significant factors associated with increased mortality: accidents occurring on weekdays had 1.243 times higher odds of fatality compared to weekends; drivers with an educational status below grade 12 had significantly different odds (AOR 0.326) compared to those with higher education; and accidents involving commercial trucks had 1.696 times higher odds of fatality compared to automobiles. The study concludes that RTA fatality prevalence in Addis Ababa is high, with distinct patterns linked to weekdays, driver education levels, and vehicle types. The findings suggest that road safety interventions should target these specific risk factors, particularly focusing on commercial truck safety and weekday traffic management. The authors note limitations, including the reliance on police records which may underreport certain causes and the retrospective design. They recommend further prospective and qualitative studies to analyze driver behavior and crash characteristics more deeply to enhance the effectiveness of future interventions.

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Topics

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• fatality injury trends
• demographic disparities
• comparative international
• incidence prevalence

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: crash risk outcomes