Epidemiology of road traffic injuries among patients presenting to Tumbi district designated hospital, Kibaha district, Pwani region – 2011
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Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Hubert Kairuki Memorial University
Abstract
Introduction: Road traffic injuries (RTI) are a worldwide disaster. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that an estimated 1.2 million die and 50 million are injured yearly as a result of road traffic injuries around the world and projects that road traffic injuries will become the third leading contributor to the global burden of disease and injury by 2020 (Peden M, Scurfield R, Sleet D, et a,: WHO, 2004). Road traffic injuries disproportionately affect developing countries, where the burden of road traffic injuries is escalating in low and mid income countries. Tanzania has not been left behind with regard to this disaster, and fractures are of most morbidity and so a cause of ill health and death in our health facilities. The choice of interventions to be implemented depends on the main types of road traffic injuries in the population, together with their expected cost and impact.
Broad Objective of this study was: to explore the magnitude and patterns of road traffic injuries (RTIs) among victims and drivers presenting to Tumbi DDH in Kibaha, Pwani region from May to December 2011.
Specific Objectives are: to determine the prevalence of RTI; to determine the pattern of injuries of RTI; to determine the demographic and other risk factors causing RTI; to establish the association between RTI and identified risk factors; and to assess type and outcome of injuries on all admitted patients
Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional analytical institutional-based study. Findings from this study focused on public health implication of exposures so as to help to complement and strengthen existing control measures on RTIs
Results: The study included 126 participants who were involved in a RTA and met criteria; about 83.3% of the participants were men who outnumbered female participants by 5-times. The mean age was 33.3years wwith SD of 12.23, and the majority of the participants were age group 15-34 years. Common RTl reported was bruises and soft tissue injuries for about 61% followed by fracture and head injuries which were 27% and 12% respectively, where men were the most victims. Them main reason claimed by the respondent for RTA was high speed, however, the inappropriate use of preventive measures like Use of seat belt was significantly associated with injuries p=0.002 as mostly cited by respondents
Conclusion: RTA is a hidden epidemic that needs to be addressed. Inappropriate use of seatbelt appears to be the main risk factors for injuries. More studies as well as preventive measures in the work places are urgently needed to address this health problem.
Description
A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Medicine in General Surgery of the Hubert Kairuki Memorial University,
Dar es salaam
Keywords
Road traffic injuries, Risk factors, Tanzania
Citation
Haman,M.O.,2012.Epidemiology of road traffic injuries among patients presenting to Tumbi district designated hospital, Kibaha district, Pwani region – 2011.HKMU