The Burden of Road Traffic Injuries in Jordan | Evidence for Policy

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a critical public health issue in Jordan, as highlighted in the 2022 Annual Report on Road Traffic Injuries. With 169,409 crashes recorded, resulting in 562 deaths and a range of injuries, RTIs have emerged as the leading cause of death for children and young people, and the second-leading cause for adults aged 20-64. This study aims to understand RTI-induced disabilities in Jordan, identify contributing factors, and assess the associated costs for patients. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research included quantitative and qualitative data collection through hospital-based surveillance and follow-up surveys at one- and three-months post-injury. Six hospitals across Jordan participated, including both public and private institutions. Key informant interviews with stakeholders from various sectors were conducted to gain comprehensive insights. The study’s findings reveal that most RTI patients were male (79 percent) with an average age of 34 years. Crashes predominantly occurred during early mornings and night hours on main roads, involving mainly cars (72 percent) and motorcycles/bicycles (40 percent). A significant number of patients (74 percent) received prehospital care, primarily from ambulance staff. Most patients (66 percent) were fully conscious upon arrival at the emergency room. Injury analysis showed that 58 percent of patients had a single injury, with extremities being the most affected area. Common treatments included sutures and surgical operations, with internal fixation for fractures being prevalent. Financially, 49 percent of patients incurred immediate costs upon hospital admission, and follow-up care also resulted in out-of-pocket expenses, particularly for physiotherapy and medications. Disability outcomes indicated that 79 percent of patients experienced some disability at the one-month follow up, with varying degrees from mild to extreme. By the third month, 73 percent reported no disability, though 26 percent continued to experience mild impairments. This study underscores the significant burden of RTIs in Jordan, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce injuries and support affected individuals.