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Demographic profile and epidemiology of injury in Mthatha, South Africa
A Dhaffala1, B Longo-Mbenza2, J H Kingu1
1Department of Surgery, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa.
Insights
Injury is a significant public health issue, with interpersonal violence and motor vehicle accidents being leading causes. Poverty and older age independently predicted higher mortality rates in injured patients.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Injury represents a substantial public health burden, particularly in provincial referral hospitals.
- Understanding the socio-demographic and epidemiological profile of injured patients is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the magnitude and characteristics of injury.
- To identify risk factors associated with injury and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of trauma admissions at Mthatha Hospital Complex and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital.
- Data collected from January 1997 to December 2000.
Main Results:
- The injury incident rate was 3.2%, with most injured patients being black males.
- Interpersonal violence (60%) and motor vehicle accidents (19%) were the primary causes.
- Mortality was 33%, with poverty and age over 40 years as independent predictors.
Conclusions:
- The high burden of injury necessitates regional attention and improved quality of care.
- Enhanced training and resource allocation are vital for addressing this public health challenge.
Objective:
To determine the magnitude, socio-demographic and epidemiological characteristics of injury at a Provincial referral hospital.
Methods:
This review was conducted on all trauma patients admitted at the Mthatha Hospital Complex and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital from the 1(st) January 1997 to the 31(st) December 2000.
Results:
The incident rate of injuries was 3.2% (n=2460/75,833 total admissions). Injured patients were mostly black (80%) and males (ratio: 5 men: 1 woman). Only 8.1% of injured patients were transported to hospital by ambulances. The leading causes of injuries were inter-personal violence accounting for 60% of cases, and motor vehicle accidents accounting for 19%; of them 38% were due to poor visibility, over speeding, and fatigue. The overall mortality was 33% (n=821) independently predicted by poverty (OR=8.2 95%CI 6-11.1; P<0.0001) and age>40 years(OR=7.8 95%CI 7.7-12.1;P<0.0001).
Conclusion:
The burden of injury is a mass issue that warrants regional attention with quality of care and training.
