(A174) Epidemiology, Seasonality, and Geo-Distribution of Trap Gun Injuries in Anuradhapura Area

Abstract

A trap gun (TG) is a locally manufactured, illegal barreled weapon with a simple trigger mechanism. Trap guns are frequent in agricultural areas of the country. Once the gun is set, it bursts automatically upon the triggering. Since there is no present person selecting the target, the gun injures both animals and humans. A retrospective study was carried out to identify geo-spatial distribution, seasonal variation and injury patterns of TG injuries brought to Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura during 2007 to 2009. A prospective study will identify those in a more detailed manner. The abstract discusses some findings of this ongoing study and the retrospective study. In 2007 there were 107 TG injuries, and 68 in 2008. In 2009 the number increased to 126. Of the victims, 97.5% were males. The mean age was 36.98 years (SD = 11.36), with an age range of 13–69 years and an Inter Quartile Range (IQR) of 29–43 years. The majority of the injuries were lower limb injuries. A significant percentage showed compound fractures and soft tissue injuries. Amputations due to vascular injuries were low (1.5%). Of the cases, 99.5% were from peripheral rural villages. Tap gun injuries are less common during the “Yala” farming season extending from May to September, during which Anuradhapura gets less rain. Yet number of TG victims steadily increases as the “Yala” progresses. This trend continues during the initial half of “Maha” season. It gradually deceases in the latter part of “Maha”. Trap gun injuries remain below average from February to July with the lowest number in April. The incidence of TG injuries is higher in Northwesterly administrative areas throughout the year, which share a common border with the “Wilpattu” game reserve. Further studies should be carried out to identify behavioral and socio-economical risks and economics of TG injuries.