Alcohol-Related Traumatic Deaths in Transki Region, South Africa

Abstract

This is a retrospective descriptive study on 105 trauma
related deaths. Interviews of the family members were conducted
individually before carrying out the autopsies at Umtata General
Hospital (UGH). The cause of death was recorded along with the age,
and personal habits such as alcohol, and tobacco smoking. This is the
referral hospital for a surrounding population of about 400,000. The
purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of alcohol among
victims of traumatic deaths in the Transkei region.
One hundred and five trauma victims were studied. Motor vehicle
accidents caused deaths of 34(32%), fatal gunshot injuries 25(24%),
stab injuries 18(17%), blunt trauma 10(9%), and miscellaneous
19(18%). Majority of the victims, 71(68%) were under 40 years of age.
In 52(49.5%) there was a history of alcohol consumption. Eighteen
were between 21 and 30 years, 11 were between 31 to 40 years. Half
were smokers. Twenty nine percent were laborers with low level of
education. The alcohol related traumatic deaths are high in the Transkei
region. There is a need to control alcohol.

Keywords: Trauma, Deaths, Alcohol

Internet Journal of Medical Update Vol. 1 (1) 2006: pp. 13-18