Post-road traffic injury experiences and challenges faced by college students: A qualitative study in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a pressing public health concern in India, leading to a rise in injury-related deaths, hospitalizations, and disabilities. India accounts for a significant portion of the world's fatal traffic accidents, with two-wheelers being involved in the majority of these accidents. The impact of non-fatal injuries on individuals extends beyond the bodily consequences of the injury and includes both the physical and psychological dimensions of the injury. The literature indicates the need for policy cascades and implementation framework for the prevention of road traffic injury. This study aimed to investigate the post-RTI experiences and challenges faced by college students who experienced road traffic injury during their college life by using a qualitative research approach in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India. The study found that college students who experienced RTIs faced a wide range of physical, emotional, and social difficulties. The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to RTI prevention that takes into account the complex interplay of individual, environmental, and societal factors that contribute to RTIs. The study also underscores the urgent need to improve the quality and availability of healthcare and rehabilitation services for RTI survivors.