Spectrum of emergencies in an accident centre in Benin-City, Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 1,398 patients who presented with various types of injuries at the Accident Centre of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital over a one-year period were prospectively studied to evaluate the categories of patients affected, aetiological factors, types and severity of organ injuries. There were 956 males and 442 females with a male to female ratio of 2.2 to 1. The peak age of the patients was in the third decade. Road traffic accident was the cause of injury in 52 percent of cases, followed by physical assault and falls. The lower extremities, head, face and upper extremities were the most commonly injured body regions. Most of the injuries were minor with Injury Severity Score (ISS) ranging from 1-3, and moderate severity (ISS ranging from 4-16). Majority resulted from road traffic accidents. We conclude that road traffic accidents are the major cause of traumatic injuries in Benin City and efforts should be made to quantify the burden of injury in our environment through purposeful research and establishment of a trauma data bank.


(Key words: Trauma, injuries, road traffic accidents, accident centre.)


Sahel Med. J. Vol.6(2) 2003: 58-62