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Epidemiology of road traffic accidents in Owerri, Imo state, south east Nigeria
Abstract
Objectives: This study was designed as a retrospective, descriptive epidemiological analysis of cases of road traffic accidents (RTA) in Owerri within a four-year period 2006-2009.
Method and Materials: One hundred and ninety five case notes of RTA patients treated at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri were retrieved from the Medical Records department and relevant data were obtained. Simple statistical terms like mean, median, were used to analyze the result.
Results: Out of the 195 cases of road traffic accidents, 140(71.8%) were males. The highest proportion of cases occurred in the age group 20-29 years with a mean age occurrence of 39.7+17.1 years. The highest occurrence was recorded on Saturdays (17.95%) and in the month of July (12.8%). The “ember” months of September to December recorded the highest single proportion of accident cases (42.1%). The lower limb was the most frequently affected body part while the neck was the least.
Conclusion: The study suggests that road traffic Accident remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Owerri and young male individuals are at a higher risk than females and the elderly. The public health implication of this is discussed.
Method and Materials: One hundred and ninety five case notes of RTA patients treated at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri were retrieved from the Medical Records department and relevant data were obtained. Simple statistical terms like mean, median, were used to analyze the result.
Results: Out of the 195 cases of road traffic accidents, 140(71.8%) were males. The highest proportion of cases occurred in the age group 20-29 years with a mean age occurrence of 39.7+17.1 years. The highest occurrence was recorded on Saturdays (17.95%) and in the month of July (12.8%). The “ember” months of September to December recorded the highest single proportion of accident cases (42.1%). The lower limb was the most frequently affected body part while the neck was the least.
Conclusion: The study suggests that road traffic Accident remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Owerri and young male individuals are at a higher risk than females and the elderly. The public health implication of this is discussed.
