P-12 The Psychological Impact of Road Traffic Accidents on Victims in Regional Division 4-A Sub-division 1, Guyana: A Unique Perspective

Methods: The study used a retrospective methodology and also evaluated psychological distress using questions from the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM –5 (PCL-5) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42). Data on 358 RTA survivors’ experiences and mental health were collected and analysed using SPSS 21.0. Results: The study was done on 358 RTA survivors with 43.3% (155) having their first RTA. Demographic statistics revealed that males comprised the majority of participants (64.3%), Indo-Guyanese were the largest ethnic group (33.0%), most individuals had attained a secondary level of education (73.7%) and the majority were employed (87.4%). The majority of RTAs resulted from rear-end collisions (44.1%), with a substantial proportion classified as mild in severity (42.5%). Mean scores (SD) for DASS-42 and PCL-5 were 10.7 (3.5) and 7.1 (1.2) respectively with a significant correlation (r=0.2; p<0.05). The most common post-RTA emotions among participants were being scared (18.2%), nervous (17.6%), sad (15.9%), angry (13.7%), overwhelmed (11.5%) and panic attack (11.5%). Among individuals recovering from RTAs, driving (22.9%) and exposure to heavy-duty vehicles (18.2%) were reported as prominent triggers for the recurrence of PTSD and anxiety symptoms. However, only 6% of people sought professional psychological health care.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the necessity of awareness and support regarding RTAs’ psychological impacts. To better support survivors coping with the consequences of such tragedies, it emphasizes the significance of offering mental health support and good strategies to cope.