Related Experiment Videos
Pattern of pedestrian injuries from road traffic accidents in Nigerians
1Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Insights
Nigerian pedestrian road traffic accidents disproportionately affect children and males, with high rates of multiple injuries and a 12% mortality rate. Prevention strategies are crucial to reduce pedestrian RTA morbidity and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Trauma Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Road traffic accidents (RTAs) represent a significant global health burden.
- Pedestrian RTAs are a major cause of injury and mortality, particularly in developing countries.
- Understanding the specific epidemiology of pedestrian RTAs in Nigeria is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, patterns, and outcomes of pedestrian road traffic accidents in Nigerian victims.
- To identify demographic and injury characteristics associated with pedestrian RTA morbidity and mortality.
- To review contributing factors and recommend preventive measures for pedestrian RTAs in Nigeria.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted involving 108 Nigerian pedestrian RTA victims.
- Data collection occurred at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital between 1983 and 1984.
- Patient demographics, injury patterns, treatment received, and outcomes (including mortality) were recorded.
Main Results:
- The peak incidence of pedestrian RTAs was observed in children aged 6 to 12 years.
- Males were more frequently affected than females, with a male/female ratio of 2.4/1.
- Multiple injuries, frequently involving the chest, occurred in 51.9% of patients. Mortality was 12.0%, with most deaths occurring in adults.
Conclusions:
- Pedestrian RTAs pose a substantial risk, particularly to children and males in Nigeria.
- A significant proportion of victims require surgical intervention, highlighting the severity of injuries.
- Socio-cultural, economic, and clinical factors contribute to pedestrian RTA outcomes, necessitating comprehensive preventive strategies.
Abstract:
A prospective study of 108 Nigerian pedestrian road traffic accident (RTA) victims was conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital in Nigeria between 1983 and 1984. Peak incidence occurred among 6 to 12 year old children while male/female ratio was 2.4/1. Multiple injuries occurred in 51.9% of the patients involving most frequently the chest with other body parts. Fifty-two patients (48.1%) required minor and major operations while the remaining 51.9% were treated non-operatively. Mortality was 12.0%. Only two of the thirteen dead patients were children. Socio-cultural, economic and clinical factors contributing to pedestrian RTA morbidity and mortality are reviewed as a basis for recommending preventive measure.