Factors Influencing Traffic Accidents Among the Elderly in Northern Iran: A Qualitative Content Analysis

The study aimed to explore experts' perspectives on the factors contributing to accidents involving the elderly in Guilan, Iran.

This qualitative study employed conventional content analysis with an inductive approach in 2024. Fourteen experts from Guilan (Iran) were purposefully selected. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide containing open-ended questions, which was developed through an expert panel discussion. All stages of data analysis were performed manually following the Graneheim and Lundman's approach.

Three main categories, 10 subcategories, and 29 key codes were identified. The "Individual Factors" category had six subcategories: physical abilities, psychological factors, traffic literacy, cultural attitudes, and Individual needs. The "Environmental Factors" had two subcategories: road and traffic infrastructure, and weather conditions. The "Policy-making" category consisted of three sub-categories: transportation safety, healthcare system, and public education.

To reduce damages from elderly-related accidents, preventive measures should focus on improving health services, enhancing traffic education, and addressing specific behavioral and cultural factors. Additionally, enhancing infrastructure, designing age-appropriate vehicles, and implementing targeted policies could significantly mitigate accident risks among this population.