Secular Trend, Seasonal Variation, Epidemiological Pattern, and Outcome of Traumatic Head Injuries Due to Road Traffic Accidents in Aseer, Saudi Arabia.

Mubarak Ali Algahtany

doi:10.3390/ijerph18126623

Abstract

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading cause of traumatic head injury (THI) and are regarded as a public health problem in Saudi Arabia. This hospital-based retrospective study aims to provide data on the frequency, type, and distribution of RTA-related THIs over the past decade; demonstrate their time trend and seasonality; and decipher age and sex differences in RTA-related THIs and their outcome. The results showed a decline in the number of RTA-related THIs between 2010 and 2019. The patients had a mean age of 26.16 ± 16.27 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 10.8:1. Head injury with multiple lesions was the most common diagnosis, followed by cerebral contusion and skull fracture (32.1%, 12.9%, and 11.2%, respectively). Subdural hematoma (SDH) and skull fracture were significantly more common in patients aged ≥60 years (standard residual > 1.96), and significantly less common in those aged ≤17 years (standard residual < 1.96), compared to other age groups. Males experienced significantly more SDHs than females (standard residual = −2.8, p = 0.029). The length of hospital stay was positively correlated with age (Spearman’s rho = 0.057, p = 0.046). No seasonal variation was found.

Highlights

Road traffic accident (RTA)-related injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide [1]
It must be noted that RTAs contribute 2.12% to the total global mortality; this figure increases to 16.54% in
This study provided unique insights into the trends, patterns, age and gender differences in the presentation and outcomes of RTA-related traumatic head injury (THI)

Summary

Introduction

Road traffic accident (RTA)-related injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide [1]. It must be noted that RTAs contribute 2.12% to the total global mortality; this figure increases to 16.54% in. Saudi Arabia, where it is the leading cause of death in young adult males [3,4]. Saudi Arabia has implemented aggressive measures over the past decade to address the problem of RTAs, including introducing stricter traffic regulations and ensuring their stringent enforcement. These changes peaked after the launching of Vision 2030 in April 2016

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion