Patterns of road traffic injury and potential consequences among patients visiting Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE: Road traffic injury (RTI) is the leading cause of death among aged 15–29 years, although low and middle income countries only have half of the vehicles, they have 80% of road traffic related death. This study aimed to assess the probability of road traffic injury occurrence and potential consequences among patient visiting at emergency department of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia. Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from March 8 to April 6/2018 among 350 patients who were recruited using systematic random sampling techniques. Binary logistic regression analysis was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 350 patients medical charts were reviewed at emergency department. The prevalence of road traffic accident was 40.9%. Being male (AOR = 1.84: 95% CI 1.11–3.09), being in age group of 20–29 (AOR = 2.58: 95% CI 1.14–5.84) and being in urban area of residence (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI 1.51–4.02) were significantly associated with road traffic accident. Conducting further research on road traffic injury and risk factors recommended.