Background and purpose: Road traffic accidents are among the leading causes of mortality and mental health problems in children. According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, approximately 8% of children aged 5 to 9 years globally suffered from some form of mental health disorder, including depression and anxiety. This study aimed to identify the challenges faced and potential interventions to reduce depression in children admitted following road traffic accidents.
Materials and methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach in the medical centers affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 mental health professionals and 6 parents of children involved in road traffic accidents, using purposive sampling. The collected data were then analyzed using MAXQDA software.
Results: The findings indicated that the challenges could be categorized into three domains: environmental, familial, and individual, comprising three main areas and twelve subgroups. The recommended strategies included training and strengthening the psychological skills of stakeholders, establishing standardized protocols for early intervention and structured psychological follow-up, and enhancing organizational support and resources at three time points: at the accident scene, during hospitalization, and after discharge.
Conclusion: Children affected by road traffic accidents experience numerous psychological challenges, and the identified strategies offer a framework for the effective prevention and management of depression.