The Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Patients Attending the Casualty Department of a Tertiary Level Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Casualty or emergency departments in medical treatment facilities are dedicated to offering prompt attention to patients who arrive without an appointment, either on their own initiative or through ambulance. Patients from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds are admitted to the casualty to receive medical care. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to assess the socio-demographic characteristics of patients attending in the casualty department. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2013 in casualty department, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College hospital, Bogura, Bangladesh. One hundred twenty patients and nine doctors of the casualty department were purposively selected and interviewed by structured questionnaire and facilities were observed through checklist. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 19.0 software. Results: 120 participants in this study, ages 14 to 60, were involved. Male participants made up the majority of the group (84.2%), while female participants made up roughly 15.8%. 20% of all respondents worked as farmers, followed by 18% of students, 17% of employees, 13% of housewives, and 6% of day laborers. The bulk of respondents earned between 4,000 and 10,000 BDT per month. Conclusion: More than two-thirds of the respondents were male, and more than three- quarters of them were in the age range of 20 to 30 years. This group represents the active age demographic and is more likely to be involved in accidents since they work and live outside. More over half of the patients at the casualty department throughout the research period were single. In the current study, more than one-fourth of respondents possessed a master degree or higher.