What type of study is this?

This is a Systematic Review study (also classified as: Meta-Analysis).

October 16, 2025Open Access

Prevalence and risk factors for road traffic accidents and mortalities in the Amhara region, Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Key Points

Road traffic accidents cause a significant public health burden in the Amhara region with a pooled mortality rate of 33%.
The study analyzed data from 12 studies involving 5222 participants, revealing high prevalence rates of both injuries and deaths.
Methodologies included systematic review and meta-analysis, ensuring rigorous data extraction and quality assessment.
Addressing risky driver behavior and infrastructure deficiencies could effectively reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

Abstract

Introduction Road traffic accidents are a serious public health challenge in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. This study provides pooled estimates of road traffic accidents related injuries, death and risk factors. Methods Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, EMBASE databases and grey literatures from 10 January to 15 March 2025 using Medical Subject Headings terms and Boolean operators. Studies published since 2020 were screened to ensure the inclusion of the most recent and contextually relevant evidence, and data were extracted independently by two reviewers using a standardised Excel sheet form. Quality was assessed via the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Random-effect models were employed due to heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA V.14.0 software. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to identify factors and source of heterogeneity. Small study effects and publication bias were examined through funnel plots and Egger’s/Begg’s tests. Results 12 studies (n=5222) were included. Pooled prevalence of road traffic accidents related death was 33% (95% CI 23% to 48%) and injury 48% (95% CI 28% to 58%). Meta-regression showed no significant effects of publication year, zone, study design or sample size. Key risk factors included driver-related issues (young age, inexperience, speeding, phone use, alcohol/fatigue driving, overloading), poor vehicle/road and environmental conditions. Conclusions Road traffic accidents related injuries and death burden remain high in the Amhara region, driven mainly by risky driver’s behaviour, suboptimal infrastructure and environmental conditions. Strengthening safety regulations and sustained behavioural interventions are urgently needed. PROSPERO registration number CRD 420251003488

Prevalence and risk factors for road traffic accidents and mortalities in the Amhara region, Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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