A study of morbidity and mortality profile of 500 road traffic accident cases in Malwa region of Punjab

Background: Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) are increasing in an alarming ways. Globally, nearly 1.2 million people killed in RTA during the year 2002. Developing and underdeveloped countries accounted for 80% of these deaths. Aim: The aim of the study was to know the morbidity and mortality profile of 500 road traffic accident cases in Malwa region of Punjab. Material and methods: Total 500 road traffic accident cases admitted at Guru Gobind Singh Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab from May 2013 to December 2013 were selected for the study. Results: The age wise distribution of victims showed that 157 (31.4%) occurred in 21-30 years age group, 215 (43%) victims reached the health facility within one hour and the 242 (48.4%) victims stayed in the hospital for the duration of 1-7 days. Conclusion: When enquired about the probable cause of accident most of the victims complained about the poor lighting condition on the roads at night time. The other major cause was alcohol or influence of others intoxication on the victim or the driver of the hitting vehicle.