Prevalence and Trend of Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries among Patients Attended at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, Tanzania: A four - years retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Oral and maxillofacial injuries pose a significant public health burden, but data on their patterns and prevalence is lacking in many developing countries like Tanzania. This study aimed to establish baseline data on these injuries' prevalence, patterns, and associated factors among Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH) patients.

Methods: A retrospective assessment of electronic medical records was conducted for all patients presenting with oral and maxillofacial trauma at MZRH between January 2019 and December 2022. Data on demographics, injury types, and admission status were extracted. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used for analysis.

Results: Of 608 patients, 82.9% were males, and the median age was 28. Fractures of the mandible (53%) were most common, followed by malar/maxillary fractures (34%) and soft tissue injuries (12%). Malar/maxillary fractures had the highest odds of admission. Males had 1.84 times higher odds of malar/maxillary fractures than females. The 0-17 age group had higher odds of soft tissue injuries than older ages. Patients aged 18-34 years had twice the odds of mandibular fractures versus the youngest group.

Conclusion: Oral and maxillofacial injuries predominantly affected young adult males in this region. Mandibular fractures were most common, but malar/maxillary fractures required more admission. Age and gender were associated with anatomical patterns of injuries. The findings highlight the need for preventive strategies and management protocols tailored to regional epidemiology.

Keywords: Oral and maxillofacial injuries, mandibular fractures, malar and maxillary fractures, soft tissue injuries, retrospective study, Tanzania