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A study of awareness and behavioural patterns with regard to road safety among medical students in south india

Authors: Keerti S Jogdand, Pravin N Yerpude, Mohini S Jogdand
Int J Biol Med Res. 2013; 4(4): 3590-3592  |  PDF File

Abstract

Introduction: Developing countries, such as India face the double burden of already existent communicable diseases and increasing burden of non-communicable diseases including RTAs. In the South East Asian region of the WHO (WHO-SEARO), India alone accounted for 73% of RTA burden. 56 accidents occur every hour on Indian roads and at least 14 people are killed in these accidents. Prevention of RTAs thus, becomes very crucial in order to improve the longevity and the quality of life of the individuals concerned. Materials and methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in Guntur, India. The study participants included in the study were undergraduate medical students from 4th to 7 th semesters.A pre-tested, semistructured questionnaire was administered to the students after obtaining written informed consent. Results: Most of the study participants,116(51.79% ) used two wheelers, followed by those who used four wheelers, 57(25.45%). The study participants’ awareness regarding road safety measures is observed to be considerably low. Around 80% of students had correct knowledge of driving without helmet as risk factor Conclusion: Awareness generation and orientation towards road safety issues among the medical students should be done through periodic trainings. The efforts for increasing road safety measures through signboards, posters and mass media should be strengthened to reduce the morbidity and mortality in relation to road traffic accidents.