Epidemiology of injuries in Nigeria-a systematic review of mortality and etiology.

BACKGROUND

Trauma is a major health issue worldwide, but especially so in developing countries such as Nigeria, where no comprehensive, national, injury data exist. There is a need to better define the epidemiology of injury as a basis for formulation of violence and injury prevention strategy.

METHODS

This is a systematic analysis of published data on the epidemiology of injuries.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalent causes of injury among adults and children, and the causes of injury mortality.

RESULTS

The medical records of 15,694 patients from the age of two weeks to 95 years formed the analysed data set. The mean value of their ages was 27 ±13 years and the gender ratio (M:F) 2:1. The injury burden is 11.2/100,000 population. The prevalent causes of injury are: (1) road traffic crashes (RTCs) = 68.4 % of 9939 patients; (2) fall = 5.5%; (3) gunshot injury = 3.2%; and (4) burns = 2.4%. Among children, the leading causes are: (1) RTC = 33.9% of 2,199 patients; (2) fall = 29.1%; (3) foreign body related = 5.5%; (4) bites = 4.9%; and (5) burns = 4%. Mortality resulted mainly from head injury, 26.6% of 575, and hemorrhage 8.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Road traffic incidents are the leading cause of injury among adults and children. Falls are six times more prevalent among children than for adults. Burns and firearm injuries are relatively uncommon. Injury mortality results mainly from head injury and hemorrhage.