Injury Survey at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: Globally injuries constitute a major public health problem. In 2007, South Africa was listed as one of the most violent countries in the world, with more than 30 000 trauma-related deaths recorded annually. Objective: Analysis of 5 371 trauma patients seen over a three-month period at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital’s trauma unit was conducted. Objectives of the survey were to: Describe the patients socio-demographic profile ; Assess the frequency, distribution and types of injuries sustained; Determine the severity of injuries; Determine patient outcomes after initial treatment; and Determine factors related to traumatic injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Patients were admitted assessed and records were reviewed. Results: A male to female ratio of 2:1 was recorded. Only 22.69% of the patients reported been employed. The median age was 28 years (interquartile range 14-40 years). The predominant mechanism of injury was due to falls (32.37%), followed by assault (27.44%). Transport-related injuries accounted 22.52%, while burn injuries accounted for 8.01%. Males were more likely to suffer any form of injury compared to females (p<0.05). Assault injuries were 4.23 times more likely to result in head and neck injuries compared to any other mechanism of injury (OR:4.23, CI 3.52-5.08, p <0.00). Upon initial admission to the unit, 43.04% of patients were discharged home after initial treatment, while 41.54% were transferred to the orthopedic unit. Conclusion: Sex, employment status, age and area of residence influenced the pattern of traumatic injuries. Falls injuries and assault were the predominant mechanisms of injury. Males were more likely to suffer from any form of injury than females. Assault injuries were more than four times more likely to result in head and neck injuries than any other mechanism of injury. Therefore, ongoing surveillance and education campaigns are recommended. Keywords: Surveillance; Trauma; Injuries.