Trends of Road Traffic Injury in Ethiopia, 2014 to 2017: eHMI Based Data Analysis.

Abstract Background: Road traffic injury (RTI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity globally. It accounts for more than 1.35 million deaths per year. It has multiple risk factors that contribute to its occurrence. Low and middle-income countries are affected severely, thus, Ethiopia is among the most affected countries. Aim of this assessment is to analyze three years of Electronic Health Management Information System (eHMIS) surveillance data of Road traffic injuries in Ethiopia as general to describe the trends of injury based on sex, age, place, and time. Methods: eHMIS Road Traffic accident data were reviewed retrospectively for three years period (2007 – 2009 Ethiopian calendar (E.C) / 2014 to 2017) and Analysis was done by Microsoft Excel. Result: The trend of injury in Ethiopia increased from 69882 to 100,628 and inpatient death increased from 125 to 265 over the last three years. Males were affected more, hence contributed to 63.64% of total cases. Those who were above 15 years of age contributed to 80.6% of total cases. Cases reached their peak during the dry season of regions. Harari region had the highest incidence of injury; more than 2000 cases per 100,000 over three years period. Conclusion: This analysis revealed that in Ethiopia burden of Road Traffic Injury (RTI) was increasing against the plan of the country. Being male and adult has a greater risk of RTI. Harari region and Dire Dawa has a much higher incidence than the national level. High-level political commitment, immediate decisions, and actions are needed to halt the problem.