Epidemiological Study of Road Traffic Crashes in the Western Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Traumatic injuries resulting from road traffic crashes are a major cause of death and disability worldwide, with a global burden that is on the rise. In Cameroon like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, more and accurate data on road traffic crashes outcomes and therapeutic care are needed to improve treatment and prevention. Objective: This study aims to determine the epidemiological features of the road traffic crashes in the western region of Cameroon. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study which included all of individuals involved in road traffic crashes and admitted in health facilities located in and around the western road corridor the period from January 2019 to September 2023. International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) was used as diagnostic criteria. Demographic variables, injury circumstances, hospital variables such as length of stay, time of admission, anatomical parts of injury according to Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) classification were derived from records. Results: Of total 812 crashes reported within the period of study, the victimology rate was 87.1% with various diagnoses: limb trauma without bone lesion (15.9%), fractures of one or more limbs (09.9%), multiple trauma (20.0%). Conclusion: Road traffic crashes cause enormous death and disability in this area and more road traffic preventive programs should be enforcement in these areas to reduce incidences road traffic crashes.