Road Traffic Accidents Leading to Physical, Psychosocial, and Economic Impacts among Victims in West Bengal, India: A 6-Month Follow-Up Study

Background: Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) are considered as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Even minor to moderate injuries due to RTAs may have short-term and long-term impacts on physical health and psychosocial outcomes. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the immediate and short-term physical and psychosocial complications among RTA victims admitted to the Level I Trauma Care Center of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. Materials and methods: A longitudinal study was conducted for 24 months among 52 hospitalized RTA victims, aged ≥ 18 years, followed up at 1-, 3- and 6 months post-discharge from the hospital. Validated measurement scales were used to assess disabilities, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) status, social impact, and economic impact. Results: Mean (± SD) age of the RTA victims was 31.3 (± 12.9) years. Of the RTA victims, 81% suffered a fracture, mostly comminuted in nature, and 33% had head injuries. 96% of participants who rode a two-wheeler did not use helmets at the time of RTA, and only 1 (8.3%) reported using seatbelts while driving a vehicle. The level of disability was low in the 6-months of follow-up. However, PTSD was present in 87%, 94% and 60% of patients after 1 month (1st visit), 3 months (2nd visit) and 6 months (3rd visit) of follow-up, respectively. Head injury was significantly associated with PTSD severity at the 1st (p = 0.01) and the 3rd follow-up (p = 0.007). The socioeconomic impact following RTA was ‘low’ among 33% at the 2nd follow-up, while it was ‘high’ among 85% at the 3rd follow-up. Conclusion: RTAs can lead to physical, psychosocial, and financial impacts among the victims. Rigorous law enforcement and public awareness building for safe driving and seatbelt use are essential to prevent RTA and associated complications.