Development of guidelines to reduce road accidents amongst community members in Botswana: a public health issue

Abstract

BACKGROUND The leading and increasing contributor to the regional and global disease burden that leads to death and disability is represented by road accidents. An enormous toll on individuals together with communities and national economies has been observed because of the occurrence of road accidents. AIM The study developed guidelines to reduce road accidents amongst automobile drivers in Botswana. METHODS Study design The study was conceptualised using Haddon's theory and the mixed-method sequential explanatory design was utilized to conduct the study. Collection of data for this study was done over a period of time in two consecutive phases. v Study setting The study took place in Gaborone, and the study was conducted at Broadhurst Police Headquarters, Directorate of transport station, and the University of Botswana. Data Collection methods: The data for this study were collected through the usage of focus group interviews and document analysis using a checklist. The first phase involved collecting quantitative data through document analysis of 400 police records using a checklist. The second phase took place in Gaborone at the University of Botswana. It involved collecting qualitative data using two focus group interviews with various stakeholders like traffic police, third party claim officers, and emergency nurses/doctors who have been in contact with people involved in road traffic accidents. Study Population: The study population included traffic accident victims' documents at the police headquarters for Gaborone and Francistown, police and traffic officers, lawyers/third party claims officers, and emergency department staff such as nurses and doctors working in Gaborone and Francistown. Data analysis: A checklist was used in transforming observations of found categories into quantitative statistical data. Data generated from the content analysis were transformed into quantitative statistical data using a checklist. Quantitative data were entered and analysed principally using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 27) software to generate graphs and tables. Inconsistencies of the data set was managed by cleaning and editing the data. The data that were missing were not statistically imputed. The relationships of independent variables based on Haddon Matrix-like, drunk driving, unlicensed drivers, over speeding, deaths, and injuries were analysed against the dependent variable of having a road traffic accident using logistic regression. Qualitative vi data from focus group interviews was transcribed verbatim using a transcription protocol. Using transcription protocol ensured that transcription is done consistently and is of the appropriate type for analytic aims. Tesch’s framework for qualitative data analysis was used. UNISA, Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness, and The Ministry of Defence, Justice, and Security granted the researcher the permission to conduct the study. Results The study found that most accidents are caused by the drivers’ carelessness followed by animals, both domestic and wild. The accidents had an impact on the health of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The accidents resulted in fatalities and lower limb fractures, upper limb fractures, and brain injuries. Over the past five years, Gaborone and Serowe recorded the highest cases of road traffic accidents. Most of the accidents occurred where there were no junction. Conclusion It is envisioned that the guidelines informed by research and literature will ensure a decrease in road traffic accidents and consequently fatalities and injuries among Botswana communities.