Factors Affecting Risk Behaviors on Road Traffic Accident among Drivers of Mekele Town, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background:- Road traffic accident : is collisions between vehicles; between vehicles and pedestrians; between vehicles and animals; or between vehicles and fixed obstacle . Due to its perception as a disease of development, road traffic accidents – and related injuries -- tend to be under-recognized as major health problems in developing countries. However, over 90% of the world‘s fatalities on the roads occur in low-income and middle-income countries. 1.26 million and 20 and 50 million people globally are estimated to be disabled each year. 85% of the cause for road traffic accident is attributed to human risk behaviors. Objective:- To identify factors affecting risk behaviors of driving among drivers in Mekelle town. Methodology: - A cross- sectional study consisting 350 drivers was conducted using quantitative which was triangulated by qualitative study(FGDs and indepth interview). Interviewer administered questionnaire was used for the quantitative part, and analyzed by binary and multiple logistic regression using SPSS version 16. Association between independent and dependent variables was assessed using Chi-square tests. Regression Analysis was used to assess the predictor of several independent variables on risk behaviors. and findings were presented in text, table and graph form.. Result: Out of 351 study subjects planned to be included in the study, 350 responded giving a response rate of 99.7%. Of the total respondents 172 (49.2%), 75 (21.4%) and 103 (29.4%) were private car, taxi and bajaj drivers. The mean age of the respondents was 28.7 (SD+9.9). 233 (66.6%) of them were found to be risk groups where as 117 (33.4%) were not risk group. Drivers with with low attitude towards safety road were 13.7 times more likely risk as compare with those positive attitude. Drivers with with high monthly family income 9.2 times more likely risk than as comared to with those low income, Drivers with secondary educational status were more likely 9.2 times risk than the teritiary status. Drivers who didn‘t get advice from family, friends, passengers and owner of the vehicle were 2.9 times more likely risk as compare to with those who got advice. Conclusion and Recommendation: Attitude, family monthly income, education and advice were found the independent predictors of risk behaviors of driving of the respondents. Our study recommends that drivers should be equipped with comperhensive, complete and up to date education and information focused on target audience which can bring attitudinal change on avoiding risk behaviors related to road traffic accidents and enhancing method of prevention to ensure that the decision on road safety is a fully informed one.