Awareness and utilization of emergency response service to road traffic crashes in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Road traffic crashes pose a significant risk to public safety and health, leading to around 1.3 million fatalities and causing disabilities annually. Yet, there is a paucity of data on emergency response in Nigeria. This study aimed at assessing the awareness and utilization of emergency response service to road traffic crashes among the Nigerian populace. Methods: This descriptive web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the Nigerian general public between July 2022 to March 2023. Convenience sampling was used for this study to select respondents who have access to the internet and are above the age of 18 years. The Cochran formula was used for the sample size calculation. An adapted, self-administered questionnaire which comprised questions on awareness of road traffic crashes, utilizations of emergency response service, etc. was scripted into Google Form and used for data collection via electronic and social media platforms (Facebook, WhatsApp, and Emails). Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were done using Stata version 17.0. Results: More than half of the 445 respondents, 239 (53.7%) are young adults between the ages of 25–35 years. Regarding awareness, 183 (41.1%) were aware of medical emergency response services while only 70 (21.9%) have used emergency response services. Gender and education are statistically significant with awareness of emergency response, i.e., more of those who are females and those who have lower education (primary and secondary education) were less likely aware of emergency response services [P=0.025, odd ratio (OR) =0.626], 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.416–0.942) and (P=0.035, OR =0.377, 95% CI: 0.152–0.935) respectively. Major reasons for not utilizing emergency response services include lack of awareness about their existence 106 (42.6%), followed by those who do not have the contact details of emergency response services 53 (21.3%), delay in response by the service provider 35 (14.1%). Conclusions: Low awareness and subsequent lack of contact information contribute to the underutilization of emergency response services. Addressing this requires regular awareness programs by governments and agencies. These initiatives should improve service quality, foster positive financial and behavioral attitudes, and enhance overall preparedness.