Spatiodemographic Clustering and Determinants of Fatal Road Traffic Injuries at Thana Level
Rohit Kumar Singh, Shiuli Rathore, Raja Rupani, Mousami Singh, Sangeeta Kumari, Geetika Bajpai, Harisharan Singh, Sachin Kumar Tripathi, Anoop Kumar VermaAbstract
Background:
Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are still a major cause of preventable mortality, especially in growing urbanised areas of low- and middle-income countries. There is little information on the application of spatial clustering and micro-level (thana-level) analysis in association with autopsy results on zones of high risk and factors contributing to fatal outcomes.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to analyse the multi-level spatiodemographic clustering and identify the predictive determinants of fatal RTIs using autopsy.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted on 10,617 medico-legal autopsy cases at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow. Data were analysed for age, gender, zone and thana-wise distribution. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression to identify significant associations and predictors.
Results:
A strong male predominance (84.2%) was observed, with the majority of cases occurring in the 18–45 years age group (~60%). Spatial analysis revealed significant clustering in the West Zone (66.9%), identified as the primary high-risk area. Thana-wise distribution showed an apparent dominance of Chowk (57.06%), which was attributed to medico-legal referral bias due to its jurisdiction over the tertiary care centre. Other thanas such as Gomti Nagar and Wazirganj represented actual high-risk zones. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association of age with zone (
Conclusion:
RTA fatalities demonstrate a structured spatiodemographic pattern driven primarily by environmental exposure, with demographic factors acting as modifiers. Recognition of referral bias and micro-spatial clustering is essential for accurate interpretation and targeted intervention.