Victims of Road Traffic Accidents in Ethiopia Their Experiences and Coping Strategies

The rising incidence of physical injuries from road traffic accidents in developing countries significantly impacts individuals' psychological well-being and social connections. Most existing studies, which are predominantly quantitative, focus on accident causes and prevention methods; they of...

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Main Authors: Betelihem Getachew, Zena Berhanu Sisay, Messay Gebremariam Kotecho
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Addis Ababa University 2024-11-01
Series:Ethiopian Journal of the Social Sciences and Humanities
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ejossah/article/view/283069
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author Betelihem Getachew
Zena Berhanu Sisay
Messay Gebremariam Kotecho
author_facet Betelihem Getachew
Zena Berhanu Sisay
Messay Gebremariam Kotecho
author_sort Betelihem Getachew
collection DOAJ
description The rising incidence of physical injuries from road traffic accidents in developing countries significantly impacts individuals' psychological well-being and social connections. Most existing studies, which are predominantly quantitative, focus on accident causes and prevention methods; they often overlook the lived experiences of victims. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to delve into the often overlooked experiences and coping strategies of individuals with physical injuries resulting from road accidents, using in-depth interviews with ten participants. Thematic analysis revealed that while support was available from various sources, it was often incomplete and delayed. Additionally, uninformed medical decisions were common, with individuals receiving little explanation about their condition or future treatment. Hospitalization was generally viewed negatively, and coping strategies included support from loved ones and resilience drawn from personal experiences developed during the recovery process. Recognizing these sources of support is crucial for facilitating adaptation and improving overall quality of life. The study highlights the vital role of the social work profession in offering emotional and psychosocial support and improving communication between patients and the medical team to address mental health challenges.
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issn 1810-4487
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publisher Addis Ababa University
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series Ethiopian Journal of the Social Sciences and Humanities
spelling doaj-art-472b3cd7584e4bbc946ccfafe12f99fe2024-12-11T06:01:24ZengAddis Ababa UniversityEthiopian Journal of the Social Sciences and Humanities1810-44872520-582X2024-11-0120112410.4314/ejossah.v20i1.1Victims of Road Traffic Accidents in Ethiopia Their Experiences and Coping StrategiesBetelihem Getachew0Zena Berhanu Sisay1Messay Gebremariam Kotecho2MSW, Project OfficerAssociate Professor of Social Work and Social Development, School of Social Work, Addis Ababa UniversityAssociate Professor of Social Work and Social Development, School of Social Work, Addis Ababa University; Department of Social Work and Community Development, University of JohannesburgThe rising incidence of physical injuries from road traffic accidents in developing countries significantly impacts individuals' psychological well-being and social connections. Most existing studies, which are predominantly quantitative, focus on accident causes and prevention methods; they often overlook the lived experiences of victims. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to delve into the often overlooked experiences and coping strategies of individuals with physical injuries resulting from road accidents, using in-depth interviews with ten participants. Thematic analysis revealed that while support was available from various sources, it was often incomplete and delayed. Additionally, uninformed medical decisions were common, with individuals receiving little explanation about their condition or future treatment. Hospitalization was generally viewed negatively, and coping strategies included support from loved ones and resilience drawn from personal experiences developed during the recovery process. Recognizing these sources of support is crucial for facilitating adaptation and improving overall quality of life. The study highlights the vital role of the social work profession in offering emotional and psychosocial support and improving communication between patients and the medical team to address mental health challenges.https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ejossah/article/view/283069road traffic accidentpeople with physical injuriessupportethiopia
spellingShingle Betelihem Getachew
Zena Berhanu Sisay
Messay Gebremariam Kotecho
Victims of Road Traffic Accidents in Ethiopia Their Experiences and Coping Strategies
Ethiopian Journal of the Social Sciences and Humanities
road traffic accident
people with physical injuries
support
ethiopia
title Victims of Road Traffic Accidents in Ethiopia Their Experiences and Coping Strategies
title_full Victims of Road Traffic Accidents in Ethiopia Their Experiences and Coping Strategies
title_fullStr Victims of Road Traffic Accidents in Ethiopia Their Experiences and Coping Strategies
title_full_unstemmed Victims of Road Traffic Accidents in Ethiopia Their Experiences and Coping Strategies
title_short Victims of Road Traffic Accidents in Ethiopia Their Experiences and Coping Strategies
title_sort victims of road traffic accidents in ethiopia their experiences and coping strategies
topic road traffic accident
people with physical injuries
support
ethiopia
url https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ejossah/article/view/283069
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AT zenaberhanusisay victimsofroadtrafficaccidentsinethiopiatheirexperiencesandcopingstrategies
AT messaygebremariamkotecho victimsofroadtrafficaccidentsinethiopiatheirexperiencesandcopingstrategies