Road Traffic Accidents in Port Harcourt, Rivers State: Pattern of Injuries That Caused Death, Risk Factors, Anatomical Sites Affected, and Autopsy Findings

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accident (RTA) is one of the commonest causes of death among the healthy population and it’s among the leading cause of death due to human errors. Globally, it has contributed significantly to reducing the workforce as well as increasing the family expenditure on preventable health conditions. It is grossly underreported with no clear data on annual death reports, especially in most developing countries. Objectives: To determine the rate of death from a head injury due to road traffic accidents, risk factors; the commonly injured anatomical regions and immediate cause of death from autopsy examination of victims. Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study in which 86 victims with CORONER FORM D were sampled recruited for the study. Primary data were obtained using the Crash Report Form (CRF) from the Federal Road Safety Corps, oral interviews from deceased relatives and security personnel who brought the victims, and subsequently, Coroner form D was used to obtain /record the findings of autopsy examination. Data was analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.0 (Armonk, NY). Results: The rate of death from a head injury due to RTA in Port Harcourt was 48.84%. The mean age of victims examined at autopsy was 28.61 ± 9.22 with a modal age group of 20-29. Majority of the victims were males [52(65.82%)], passengers [36(42%)], had superficial autopsy [32(37.20%)], multiple injuries [40 (46.51%)]. The commonest cause of immediate fatality was head injury (48.8%) followed by haemorrhage and shock 31(36.1%). Over speeding was the most common human risk factor (50%), followed by sleep/fatigue (10%). The commonest mechanical and environmental risk factors identified were brake failure and burst tyres (8%), and potholes (6%) respectively. Conclusion: The commonest cause of death among victims of RTA in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria is head injury. Over speeding, sleep/fatigue, brake failure and burst tyres and pot holes are the risk factors for RTA in Port Harcourt. Measures targeted at controlling these risk factors would help reduce morbidity and mortalities associated with RTA.