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Pattern and clinical characteristics of firearm injuries

W A Odhiambo1, S W Guthua, M L Chindia

  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676 - 00202, Nairobi, Kenya.

East African Medical Journal
|July 31, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Firearm injuries (FAIs) are increasing, predominantly affecting young adult males. Abdominal wounds are the most lethal, while lower extremities are most commonly injured among survivors.

Area of Science:

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Firearm injuries (FAIs) represent a significant public health concern.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of FAIs is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the pattern and characteristics of patients admitted with firearm injuries (FAIs).
  • To determine the morbidity and mortality associated with firearm injuries.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital from January 2004 to December 2005.
  • Analysis of all patients admitted with physically evident firearm injury.

Main Results:

  • A total of 717 patients with FAIs were recorded, with 421 admitted. FAIs constituted a statistically significant increase in assault cases from 2004 to 2005.
  • The majority of patients were young adult males (87.9%), with a mean age of 29.7 years.
  • Lower extremities were the most common injury site among survivors, while abdominal wounds had the highest mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Firearm injuries are on the rise, disproportionately affecting young adult males.
  • Mortality increases with age, and while less common, female victims are younger on average.
  • Abdominal injuries are associated with the highest fatality rates.
Abstract

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