101 Impact of road traffic crashes on victims and families: a qualitative study

Background Nepal is experiencing rapid motorization and expansion of its road network, but road safety remains largely neglected. Consequently, the number of road crashes, deaths, and injuries is increasing daily. There is a lack of information about the long-term consequences for road traffic crash (RTC) survivors and their quality of life. Government policies to support road crash victims are lacking, and the victims and their families face significant economic and social challenges that largely deteriorate their quality of life. Objectives This study aimed to explore the physical, social and economic impact non-fatal road traffic injuries on victims and their families. Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 participants who had been exposed to road crashes (RCs) and had sustained upper and lower limb fractures, internal injuries, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. The participants were selected from the registries of Dhulikhel Hospital and Highway Community Hospital. Transcriptions of these in-depth interviews were analyzed using a descriptive qualitative approach. Results Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) are associated with a variety of long-term health complications for victims. Response to the challenges faced by RTI victims and service system for the care is inadequate. Due to the lack of accessible infrastructure, disabled victims are often limited to their beds. Majority of the participants were primary earners for their families and they found their transition from being breadwinners to dependent members of their families. Some participants expressed feeling neglected, burden to the family and conveyed frustration to continue living. The economic struggles following a road crash often lead to family conflicts, interrupted education, job losses, and the inability to participate in social gatherings and celebrations. Additionally, RTIs worsen the financial status of families, resulting in a decline in the quality of family life and many other family problems. Conclusions This research study revealed that road traffic victims and their families face a vicious cycle of social and economic problems. These findings can inform policymakers in designing and establishing support mechanisms for road crash victims to enhance their quality of life.