Impact of Transport Accident and Injury on Longevity in Two Selected Districts in Northern Ghana

David Adumbire, Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS)
Ayaga A. Bawah, University of Ghana
Charles Asabere, University of Ghana, Regional Institute for Population Studies

Abstract Background: Injury-related mortality accounts for over 1.3 million people who died prematurely before attaining 70 years, and many of these occur in low- and middle-income countries. Evidence shows that injury-related deaths are on the rise in many parts of Ghana. Assuming that major health interventions were implemented and road traffic or injury deaths were reduced to no public health significance as envisaged by SDG target 3.6, how would it translate to improved longevity for households in the Kassena-Nankana East and West districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Methods: Data was from the Navrongo Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems. Single and multiple decrement life table models were employed to estimate the effect of reducing road traffic or injury deaths on population longevity. Results: Without road traffic or injury deaths, results showed an increase of about 2.1 additional years of life, from 67.8 to 69.9 years. There is a significant improvement in life expectancy at every age. Additionally, there is an overall increase survival rate Conclusion: Health programmes and interventions on road traffic or injury deaths should be supported and strengthened to reduce road traffic or injury mortality. Keywords: Mortality, Longevity, Life expectancy, Injury, Ghana

Keywords: Mortality and Longevity, Decomposition analysis, Health and Morbidity

See extended abstract.