Presenting a practical model for governmental political mapping on road traffic injuries in Iran in 2008: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess political mapping in relation to road traffic injuries (RTIs) management and prevention to present a practical model for RTIs. DESIGN: A phenomenological qualitative study was developed to identify stakeholders on RTI in Iran in 2008. SETTING: The designed questions were discussed by systematic discussion with the relevant specialists. After receiving written consent from the main responsible stakeholders, the questionnaire was filled in by trained experts. Themes were determined and content was analysed in each part. PARTICIPANTS: Main responsible stakeholders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: By comparing other countries' political mappings which were found in the library and by Internet searching, political mapping of RTI in Iran was suggested. RESULTS: Subjects were 26 experts from governmental and non-governmental organizations. The main proposed leading agencies were traffic police and presidency (13% each). Findings showed that only 31% of our political mapping was formed according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 94% of cases, the involved organizations had unspecified roles; the reason was poor monitoring for RTI in 39% of organizations. Lack of adequate authority and suitable legislation, appropriate laws and tasks definition were 94% and 18%, respectively. The most essential policy to overcome problems was defined as appropriate legislation (21%), and the most frequent type of support needed was mentioned as adequate budgeting (25%). CONCLUSION: Traffic police can play the leading agency role by government support, with strong leadership, appropriate legislation, defined tasks and adequate budget.