Citation

Adogu POU, Ilika AL, Asuzu AL. Niger. J. Med. 2009; 18(4): 393-397.

Affiliation

Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, P.O. Box 1002 Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

20120144

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Road traffic accidents, injuries and deaths remain important public health problems in both developed and developing countries. These problems have since escalated with the introduction of the new phenomenon of commercial motorcycle transportation such as is found in the urbanizing slum of Nnewi, Anambra state of Nigeria. METHOD: Using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, relevant data on socio-demographic and motorcycle characteristics were collected from a sample of 291 commercial motorcyclists selected by systematic sampling technique. Data on RTA, RTI and death were also collected from them overa period of three months. RESULT: The result showed that young commercial motorcyclists {<30 years of age}, experienced higher fatal injury rate than older ones {> or =30 years of age}, {p < 0.01}. Motorcyclists with some formal education experienced RTA and RTI incidence rates that were significantly lower than those of motorcyclists with no formal education, {p < 0.01}. In the same vein, medical condition and social vices such as alcohol intake among the motorcyclists were found to be obvious predictors of RTA, RTI and death. Furthermore, motorcyclists who used >100 cc engine capacity motorcycles had significantly higher RTA incidence rate {478.8/100 MCY}, RTI rate {223.2/100 MCY} and FIR {410/100 MCY} than users of <100 cc engine motorcycles who recorded RTA incidence of 258.9/100 MCY, RTI rate of 49/100 MCY and zero fatal injury respectively {p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively}. CONCLUSION: A careful consideration of all these predictors individually and collectively, will enable stakeholders in transport industry plan effective RTA, RTI and death control measures. Rather than an outright ban of motorcycle transportation, evening classes can be organized for the motorcyclists at subsidized rates to improve their literacy levels to run side by side with road safety informational lessons delivered at their places of work.

Language: en