Psychosocial Effects of Traumatic Injuries in Road Traffic Accident Victims in the Kumasi Metropolis

Abstract

Mental health problems, especially depression, are major causes of disabilities globally. Among the causes of mental health problems, injuries, including those resulting from road traffic accidents (RTAs) are major contributors. Efforts are therefore made earnestly by every country globally, as well as Ghana over the years to control and reduce the incidence and mortality of RTA and its related injuries. However, mental health problems associated with RTA injuries are marginalized during the care of RTA injured victims, whilst focusing on their physical problems. Using the Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Stress model, this study sought to identify the psychosocial problems resulting from injuries sustained from RTAs, whilst assessing the impact of appraisals, coping styles and social support in the development of psychosocial problems. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 382 accident victims with injuries in three hospitals within the Kumasi metropolis, using validated data collection tools. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used to analyze the collected data, using descriptive, Pearson’s Chi square, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Independent t-test, Correlational and Hierarchical Multiple Regression tests. The findings indicated that, a number of patients with RTA injuries developed psychosocial distress (40.6%) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (22.0%). Most victims appraised their injuries as threat but controllable. The most common coping style adopted by respondents was the task oriented coping with most participants demonstrating moderate to high perceived social support. Significant associations were found between injury characteristics and psychosocial problems but not with demography. ANOVA and Independent t-test indicated significant variations in psychosocial problems on the various types, locations and post-injury duration of injuries. Hospitalized patients also demonstrated higher levels of psychosocial problems compared with non-hospitalized patients. Appraisal of threat, centrality, and uncontrollability significantly and negatively correlated with psychosocial problems. Appraisal of challenge and controllability as well as total perceived stressfulness of the injuries showed significant positive relationship with psychosocial problems. On coping styles, task oriented and avoidant coping styles were significantly and negatively related with psychosocial distress but not with PTSD. Emotion focused coping also showed significant positive relationship with psychosocial distress. Social support was a significant moderator of avoidant coping and psychosocial problems. In conclusion, RTA victims with injuries have increased risk for developing psychosocial problems. The findings therefore demonstrate the need for comprehensive psychosocial assessment of injured RTA victims for early recognition and treatment of psychosocial morbidities.