Pattern of presentation of road traffic accident injuries at Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents are emerging as a global public health concern but not enough attention is given to it in terms of public health enlightenment and strategic policies by governments to achieve sustained control. Objective: This study is aimed at
identifying the characteristics of injuries presenting in this new teaching hospital following road traffic accidents (RTAs) and determining the common causes of these crashes. Methods: This was a prospective study designed for all patients who presented
to the Accident and Emergency Department of Benue State University Teaching Hospital following RTA over 12 months (July 2012 to June 2013). A questionnaire was filled at presentation and completed at the time of discharge from the hospital. Results: There
were a total of 58 patients 31 males and 27 females giving a ratio of 1.1:1. Themeanage was 33.25 ± 14.90 (Range 2 – 82years). Most 37(63.8%) of them were within the age range 21 to 40 years. The month of July 2012 recorded the highest number of patients 14(24.1%). Most of the accidents 35(60.3%) resulted from vehicle-vehicle collision and buses 24(41.4%) were the commonest vehicles involved in road traffic crashes followed by motorcycles 18(31.1%) and cars 14(24.1%). Majority of the patients were passengers 33(56.9%) and multiple injuries were recorded in 32(55.2%) followed by lower limbs only in 12(20.7%). Fractures occurred in 44(75.6%) of the patients followed by lacerations 9(15.5%), dislocation 2(3.2%) and others 3(5.2%). Complete recovery occurred in 32(55.2%) and were discharged. Eight (13.8%) were referred, 5(8.6%) recovered but with some residual deformity at the time of discharge, 3(5.4%) patients died and 8(13.8%) discharged against medical advice (DAMA). Thirty three patients had multiple injuries with an average injury severity score (ISS) of 13.7 range (2-32). Major injuries with ISS > 15 occurred in 16 patients. Conclusions: Fractures and lacerations were the commonest injuries sustained following RTA. Most of the patients had multiple injuries leading to death in 3 patients. There is need to further equip and prioritize the resources available to the hospital to cater for the growing percentage of multiply injured patients.