Patterns of pre-hospital events and management of motorcycle-related injuries in a tropical setting

Abstract

This study sought to highlight associated factors and evaluate outcomes of motorcycle-related injuries (MCRI) among adults managed in a university teaching hospital in south-western Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 150 adult patients presenting with MCRI at the adult accident and emergency unit of the hospital. Information on the use of helmet, alcohol intake, number of pillion passengers, type of collision and time of arrival at hospital was collected. Patients were followed up and questionnaires were completed after discharge, referral or death. The male to female ratio was 4:1 with patients aged 20–29 years (n = 44, 29.3%) having the highest incidence of MCRI. Only 4 (2.7%) patients used helmet at the time of injury. About one-third of the patients (n = 59, 39.3%) arrived at the hospital within 1–6 hours after injury. The limbs were the most frequently involved site of injury, hence orthopaedic procedures constituted the highest number of interventions. Mortality rate was 10.7% (16 out of 150) with head injury being the leading cause. MCRI requires more emphasis on preventive measures. This will play a crucial role in the reduction of the associated morbidity and mortality.