Prevalence of motorcycle accidents and associated factors among road traffic accident victims in Accra, Ghana.

Abstract

Objectives: This study determined the prevalence of motorcycle accidents and associated risk factors in Accra, Ghana.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Legon, Pentecost, Madina, and Kekele hospitals, Motor Transport and Traffic Unit offices in Accra, and Kaneshie District Court. Data were collected using structured questionnaires.

Participants: Road traffic accident victims (387), aged 15 years and above, were randomly selected from health facilities' registers and interviewed.

Main outcome measure: Number of road traffic accidents involving motorcycles.

Results: The prevalence of motorcycle accidents among road traffic accidents was 37% [95% CI: 32.0-42.0]. Motorcycle accidents predominantly occurred among people aged 15-25 and 26-35 years. The prevalence among men was 38% while women reported 24% [95% CI: 85.0-91.0]. Motorcycle accident occurrence was higher (63% vs 10%) among those earning < GH₵349 ($22.37) a month compared to those earning above GH₵3000 ($192.31). After adjusting for all the factors that showed association at the univariate level and potential confounders like sex, followed by post-estimation analysis and a Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test, factors that were significantly associated with motorcycle accidents included ownership [AOR:2.32, p=0.018 95%CI: 1.16-4.65], education level [AOR=1.48, p=0.020 95%CI: 1.06-2.05], motor license [AOR=132.74, p<0.001 95%CI: 17.56-1003.62], and income level [AOR=0.65, p=0.002 95%CI: 0.50-0.85].

Conclusion: Motorcycle accidents remain prevalent and significantly related to income level, ownership level, education level, and having a motor license. To reduce motorcycle accidents, governments must implement policies that address these factors and support safer road practices.

Funding: None declared.