Lived Experiences of Road Traffic Accident Survivors

Abstract

Road traffic accidents are on the ascendancy globally and contribute to several disabilities and even death. Survivors of road traffic accidents have been found to have varying challenges affecting their quality of life. Road accidents are common in Ghana too, but there is little knowledge on the lived experiences of the survivors. Hence, this study sought to explore the lived experiences of road traffic accidents survivors in Sekondi-Takoradi, specifically highlighting their physical, psychological, and social experiences as well as their coping strategies. This study used a qualitative phenomenological design using a semi structured interview guide to get responses from the participants. Participants were purposively sampled at Effia-Nkwanta regional hospital. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse results of the study. The study found that road traffic accidents survivors have physical challenges through injuries, pain, hospital environment and a lack of strength. Psychologically, most of them experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while few had depressive and anxiety symptoms. Survivors had to make some lifestyle adjustments to accommodate their new circumstances, they experienced financial hardships, and other social support problems like negative attitudes of some healthcare providers. It was also discovered that their relationships with significant others and friends were either strained or strengthened. Social support and spirituality were found to be the most used coping strategy in this study. In view of this, it was recommended that medical practitioners collaborate with clinical/health psychologists to regularly assess RTA survivors to improve healthcare.