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East and Central African Journal of Surgery
Association of Surgeons of East Africa and College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa
ISSN: 1024-297X
EISSN: 1024-297X
Vol. 20, No. 1, 2015, pp. 3-9
Bioline Code: js15001
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge

East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 20, No. 1, 2015, pp. 3-9

 en Epidemiology of road traffic accidents: - A Prospective study At a Tertiary University Hospital in Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Seife, H. & Teffera, E.

Abstract

Background: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are major but neglected public health problems. Without appropriate action, by 2020, road traffic injuries are predicted to be the third leading contributor to the global burden of disease and injury. Most of the projected increase in road traffic crashes will occur in low- and middle-income regions of the world, Ethiopia is one of countries with the highest fatal ity rates worldwide. The road fatality rates have grown by a quarter in the some African countries like Ethiopia. The main objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of RTIs presenting at Tikur Anbassa Hospital (TAH) in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
Methods: All 210 patients involved in Road traffic crashes (RTCs) and seen at the Emergency surgical department at TAH over a one month period were included in the study. Patients aged under 13 years were excluded from the study. Data were collected by preformed questioners and was analyzed using statistical tool EPI info 2000.
Results: The peak incidence was in the 21 – 30 years age group and accounted for 40% of cases. There was a preponderance of males who accounted for 67.6% of victims. There were 6 deaths giving 2.9% case fatality rate. Two of the deaths occurred on arrival while the other four died while receiving treatment. Eight (3.8%) of the cases were admitted and 37 (17.6%) were referred for admission at other hospitals. One hundred six (50.5%) of the victims had major injury while 104(49.5%) had minor injury. There were 5 cases of moderate head injuries and 14 cases of severe head injuries with 4 cases of vertebral fracture. Closed extremity fractures were 37 (24.2%), compound single fractures were 10(4.3%) and multiple fracture (either closed or compound) occurred in 15 (7.6%). Majority, 147(70.4%), of victims were from Addis Ababa. About 1 in 20 (5.2%) of the accidents happened on the highway. Vast majority of injuries were sustained by pedestrians 140(66.7%). Majority of patients presented to the OPD within 4 hours 120 (57.4%). Most of the injuries occurred during day time 151(71.9%). Hundred and thirty-one patients (62.4%) presented primarily to TAH. Majority of the drivers who caused the accidents were in the age group of 25 – 35 accounting for 39.5% of injuries. Commercial vehicles have caused the majority 72(34.3%) the injuries.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Road traffic crashes are major public health problems in Ethiopia. There are lots of injuries requiring subspecialty treatment due to RTCs requiring the need of specialized treatment centres and specialists. There is a need of trauma centres in the country including the capital city with beds and equipment and personnel to handle the increasing RTC victims. There is need a lot to be done to improve awareness of the public both to the drivers and pedestrians about the safe use of roads and vehicles.

 
© Copyright - 2015 East and Central African Journal of Surgery

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