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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
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Bioline Code: js15001
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 20, No. 1, 2015, pp. 3-9
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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.
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© Copyright - 2015 East and Central African Journal of Surgery
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