Road traffic injuries among children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol v1

Background Road traffic injuries (RTIs) among children and adolescents are a significant public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Rapid urbanisation and motorisation, driven by regional economic growth, have altered RTI risk andincreased RTIs among children and adolescents. Despite these changes, little is known about the epidemiology and prevention strategies of RTIs among children and adolescents in the region. Objectives To describe the epidemiology and prevention strategies for road traffic injuries among children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods A scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in line with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We will search MEDLINE, EMCARE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Africa Journals Online, African Index Medicus, and trial registries for studies published between 2000 and April 2026 using keywords related to children and adolescents, RTIs and sub-Saharan Africa. Eligible studies will include primary peer-reviewed and grey literature examining the epidemiology, determinants, prevention strategies, and economic burden of RTIs among children and adolescents aged 0–19 years in sub-Saharan Africa. Two reviewers will independently screen studies and extract data using a standardised charting form. Data will be synthesised descriptively using frequencies, tables, and thematic content analysis. Methodological quality will be appraised using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. Results This review will provide a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence on the burden, distribution, determinants, prevention strategies, and economic costs of RTIs among children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings will help identify major evidence gaps and highlight priority areas for future research.