Development and Implementation of Integrated Road Traffic Injuries Surveillance - India (IRIS-India): A Protocol.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a major global cause of death and disability.
• Developing countries face a high burden of road traffic injuries (RTIs) due to increased motorization and inadequate safety measures.
• Under-reporting of RTIs is common in India, necessitating robust surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an integrated, electronic road traffic injury (RTI) surveillance system in India.
• To assess the burden, risk factors, and outcomes of RTIs in both rural and urban settings.
• To provide a model for comprehensive RTI surveillance and epidemiology.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a combination of passive surveillance (at trauma centers/hospitals) and active surveillance (in private facilities/communities).
• Developed and implemented an electronic, internet-enabled surveillance platform with multiple data capture and analysis modules.
• Collected data from health facilities and community sources across three Indian cities and two rural areas.

Main Results:

• The study established a comprehensive and integrated electronic RTI surveillance system.
• The system allows for electronic data gathering across multiple sites, covering both passive and active surveillance methods.
• This provides the first comprehensive epidemiology of RTIs in the study areas.

Conclusions:

• The developed surveillance system offers a model for effectively monitoring RTIs.
• Findings will inform research priorities and investment for RTI control in India.
• Comprehensive RTI data is essential for planning targeted interventions and reducing injury burden.