Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
2 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht
3 MD, Professor in Preventive and Social Medicine, Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, Rasht, Iran
Abstract
Abstract
Aim: The study aimed to explore the experiences of experts regarding the factors contributing to elderly-related accidents in Guilan, Iran.
Background: The growing elderly population and increasing accident rates highlight the failure to identify and prevent factors contributing to accidents among the elderly. Utilizing the experiences of local traffic experts and specialists can be instrumental in identifying the risk factors for accidents among the elderly.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis with an inductive approach in 2024. A total of 14 experts from Guilan, Iran, were purposefully selected. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions, developed during an expert panel discussion. All stages of data analysis were performed manually following the Graneheim and Lundman approach.
Results: Three main categories, ten subcategories, and thirty key codes were identified. The "Individual Factors" category consists of five subcategories namely, Decline in physical abilities, Psychological factors, Traffic literacy, Cultural attitudes, and Individual needs. The "Environmental factors" category had two subcategories: Road and Traffic Infrastructure and Weather Conditions. The category of "Policy-Making" consists of three subcategories: Transportation Safety, healthcare system, and public education.
Conclusion: To reduce damages from elderly-related accidents, preventive measures should focus on improving health, traffic education, and addressing specific behavioral and cultural errors. Additionally, enhancing infrastructure, developing advanced vehicles for older adults, and tailoring policy-making can significantly mitigate accident risks among the elderly.
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