Abstract:
Background:
Identifying the barriers to and facilitators of the prevention of traffic injuries from the perspective of the key stakeholders and experts seems indispensable. Objectives: The present study aims to identify the barriers to and facilitators of the prevention of traffic injuries in Iran.
Methods:
In this qualitative study with conventional Content-Analysis approach, 42 key stakeholders and experts in the field of traffic injuries in Iran were selected based on purpose and theoretical sampling to reach informational saturation and their views concerning barriers to and facilitators of the prevention of traffic injuries in Iran were studied using semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed using Content-Analysis method.
Results:
Five main barriers including: structural barriers, organizational barriers and planning, socio-cultural barriers, scientific barriers and intersectional barriers and 22 sub-themes were extracted. The lack of lead agency, which was among structural barriers, was selected as the main barrier. In addition, five general facilitators including sensitization of society and authorities, use modern of facilities and equipment, increase of attention to safety (vehicles and roads), increase of information and awareness, use of expert manpower were extracted. The sensitization of society and authorities was selected as the most important facilitator.
Conclusions:
From key expert’s viewpoint, the barriers to the prevention of traffic injuries are more than their facilitators. Therefore, planning and paying more attention to removing these barriers and promoting the facilitators seems necessary to reduce traffic Injuries. Select a lead agency with adequate powers and resources can be the highest priority of intervention.
Keywords:
Road traffic injuries, Prevention, Barriers, Facilitators