Experiences of Encountering Physical Trauma Caused by Traffic Accidents: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Traffic accidents are the main cause of death and disability in the world and Iran. The\rInjuries caused by traffic accidents may result in severe limitations and worst outcomes in various aspects\rof lives of traffic accident injured people and their families. Therefore, understanding their experiences\ris very important to design better programs with regard to their treatment and returning to the society.\rIn this regard, we conducted this study with the aim of understanding and describing the\rexperiences of encountering with physical trauma resulting from traffic accidents.\rMaterials and Methods: This study was conducted with qualitative research approach, using\rqualitative content analysis method. The study participants had a record of upper and or lower\rextremity injuries caused by traffic accidents of at least 3 months and at most 2 years after\rthe accident. They were chosen by purposeful sampling method. Data were collected through\rsemi-structured interviews and continued until data saturation. Data analysis was carried out\rusing content analysis method.\rResults: The study findings based on the experiences of participants were conceptualized in\rthree main categories; experiencing some limitations, disturbances in performing professional\rduties, and family problems caused by trauma.\rConclusion: The study findings showed that injured people due to traffic accidents experience\rnumerous constraints in different areas of their lives. Accordingly, proper interventions can be\rdesigned based on understanding these needs and experiences from participants’ own words to\ralleviate these problems. Finally, the study results provide a new insight to the medical team to\runderstand these patients and their real health problems in a more realistic way.