Risk Factors of Road Traffic Crashes among Intercity Drivers in Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria
Akinola A. Fatiregun
World Health Organization, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Temitope O. Alonge
Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Adewale M. Adejugbagbe *
Department of Planning Research and Statistics, Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Nigeria.
Ambrose Rukewe
Department of Anaesthesia, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) have emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. In this report, we explored the prevalence and risk factors of self-reported RTC among intercity drivers in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted on the four major highways (Abeokuta, Lagos, Oyo/Ogbomosho, and Ife) that connect Ibadan in November, 2012.
Methodology: A road-side survey was done in collaboration with Federal Road Safety Corps of Nigeria, Oyo State Command on 200 consenting long distance drivers. Data were obtained on the socio-demographic characteristics, psychoactive substance use, and experience of RTC; and analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression model with the alpha level of significance set at 0.05.
Results: Majority (98.9%) of the drivers were males with mean age of 39.7±10.1 years. The substances reportedly used by the respondents included medications (46.5%), alcohol (33.5%) and herbs (43.0%). The life time prevalence of self-report crashes was 16%. The significant predictors of RTCs were being located driving along Abeokuta expressway (OR=4.1, 95% CI, 1.4-12.2) and having previous experience of licence suspension (OR=4.9, 95% CI= 2.0-12.0).
Conclusion: Interventions to reduce RTCs may be location specific and have to address causes of licence suspension among drivers.
Keywords: Self-reported road traffic crash, intercity drivers, morbidity, mortality