Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a leading public health problem and the understanding of RTIs in rural India is limited. The present report documents the burden, pattern, characteristics and outcomes of RTIs in a rural district of India using combined data sources: police and hospital. RTIs contributed for 38% of fatal and 39% of non-fatal injuries with an annual mortality rate of 18.1/100,000 population/year. Young males were affected most and two-wheeler users and pedestrians were involved in 45% and 20% of fatal crashes, respectively. Nearly half (51%) of fatal RTIs occurred on national highways of the district; 46% died immediately at the site. Among those hospitalised, 20% were under the influence of alcohol while use of helmets and seat belts was <5%. Trauma care was deficient in the district leading to greater number of referrals. Road safety should be given high importance in rural India with a focus on safe roads, safe vehicles and safe people along with trauma care.

Injuries now rank among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality the world over. Injuries are steadily increasing in developing countries like India. Systematic and scientific efforts in injury prevention and control are yet to begin in India. Data on injuries are very essential to plan preventive and control measures. The objective of this study is to know the profile of the injury cases admitted to M S Ramaiah hospital, Bangalore, India, using a cross-sectional study design for six months, i.e. from Oct 2008 to April 2009. The mean age of the study population was 35.3 years (SD = 15.38), 69.1% were injured in road traffic accidents (RTA), 28.7% due to falls and 2.2% due to burns. Nearly 14.4% were under the influence of alcohol. Nearly 73.6% of RTA cases were two-wheeler users, 48.5% had not followed sign boards and 56.5% had not obeyed the one-way rules, 63.5% of the two-wheeler users did not use helmets. Also, 38% of two wheelers had two pillion riders, whereas 57% of four-wheeler users had not used a seat belt. Among falls, 58% occurred at home, 49% occurred due to slippery surface. Road traffic accidents were the most common cause for injuries, in which two wheelers were most commonly involved. Strict enforcement of traffic rules and education on road safety are very essential to prevent injuries.

Objectives (1) To identify the gaps between the precepts and practices of preventive measures and prehospital care among the injury cases admitted to M S Ramaiah (MSR) Hospital. Bangalore, India. (2) To fi nd out expenditure incurred during hospital stay. Study Setting MSR Hospital, Bangalore, India. Study Population All injury cases admitted to MSR Hospital during the study period. Study Design Cross Sectional. Study Period 6 months to October 2008 to April 2009. Methodology Data with respect to the socio demographic characters, preventive measures followed, prehospital care provided and the expenditure from the time of admission till discharge collected using pretested questionnaire by interviewing injury cases admitted to MSR Hospital during the study period. Results Mean age of injured-35.3 years (SD=15.38). Among injuries 69.1% were road traffi c accidents (RTA), 28.7% were falls and 2.2% were burns. Infl uence of alcohol was found in 14.4% of injuries. Among RTA Cases 48.5% had not followed sign board and 56.5% had not obeyed the one way rules, Nearly 73.6% of RTA cases were two wheeler users; 63.5% did not use helmet, 38% had two pillion riders. Whereas 57% of four wheeler users had not used seat belt. Among falls 58% occurred at home, 49% due to slippery surface. Only 26.4% had received fi rst aid; 39% were aware of emergency number. Auto (66.1%) was the common mode of transportation to hospital from the site of injury. Nearly 33.9% had visited more than one hospital before reaching MSR Hospital. Median expenditure (in rupees) of hospital stay was 40 000.on 11 May 2018 by guest. Protected by copyright.

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