The problem of trauma in Nigeria. Pattern as seen in a multicentre study.

Between 1982 and 1984 a multicentre study of trauma was conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) and eight other hospitals receiving patients from four states adjoining Kwara State of Nigeria. Average trauma admissions ranged between 4.3 and 20.6% of total admissions while 2.4% of dam construction workers sustained injuries. Peak trauma incidence and operations occurred in the third decade of life, followed road traffic accidents (RTA's) and involved males. Most outpatient trauma activity occurred on Saturdays while trauma admissions were highest on Mondays and Wednesdays. Trauma mortalities in the hospitals appeared to reflect severity of trauma encountered.