The effectiveness of public health interventions to reduce motorcyclist road traffic accidents in Nigeria: A systematic review.

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) rank among the eight-leading causes of global mortality. Numerous countries have implemented strategies and policies to curtail RTAs and their resulting injuries and fatalities. Motorcyclists face a disproportionately elevated risk of crashes, leading to severe injuries and deaths. Road traffic injuries (RTIs) constitute a mounting yet inadequately addressed global health emergency, necessitating efficacious preventive measures to ensure sustainable safety. Despite several previous reviews on this topic, a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of public health interventions remains limited, especially in low middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria, where daily increases in motorcycle-related accidents persist. This systematic review aims to bridge this gap by examining effective interventions to reduce RTAs.

Methods: A quantitative systematic review was executed, entailing a thorough literature search across Medline, PsycINFO, and grey literature sources, adhering to relevant eligibility criteria spanning from 2013 to 2023. The search strategy was formulated following the PICO (Population, Intervention, Control, Outcomes) framework. Inclusion criteria encompassed systematic reviews primarily conducted within LMICs. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) Quantitative Checklist. Analysis of the studies was accomplished through a narrative synthesis approach.

Results: Out of the 1,019 studies screened, 12 studies met the final analysis criteria. Three predominant outcomes emerged: accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Most studies investigated helmet use and laws, along with enforcement mechanisms. Additionally, other studies explored measures such as speed regulation, educational interventions, roadway enhancements, community initiatives, and comprehensive intervention strategies. Legislative interventions emerged as the most prevalent and effective, yielding reduced road traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities, particularly in conjunction with robust enforcement initiatives. Helmet use and adherence to laws also exhibited noteworthy reductions in accident-related injuries and deaths.

Conclusion: This systematic review has unveiled effective strategies to mitigate motorcycle- linked road traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Through emphasizing the significance of legislation, enforcement actions, and multifaceted approaches, this study contributes to the expanding repository of knowledge that can steer evidence-based policy making, fostering safer road environments and healthier societies.