Autopsy Findings on Pattern of Abdominal Injuries Due to Road Traffic Accidents in Nairobi City, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the socio-demographic characteristics and anatomical patterns of abdominal injuries among victims of road traffic accidents (RTAs) in Nairobi, Kenya, using autopsy findings. Conducted at Nairobi City Mortuary over a one-year period (July 2009–June 2010), the study examined 2,278 cases of violent deaths. Of these, 474 cases (20.8%) involved abdominal injuries, with 104 cases (21.9%) attributed to RTAs. The majority of victims were young adults, with a mean age of 29.04 years (range 12–59), and the most affected age group being 30–39 years. Males were disproportionately affected, accounting for 84.6% of cases, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 5.5:1. Pedestrians constituted the largest proportion of victims (37.5%), followed by bicyclists (14.4%), highlighting their vulnerability in traffic environments. A total of 340 abdominal injuries were identified among the RTA victims. The most frequently injured structures included the liver (15.9%), lumbar vertebrae (15.9%), intestines (15.3%), stomach (14.7%), and abdominal aorta (14.1%). These findings demonstrate that abdominal trauma from RTAs commonly involves solid organs, hollow viscera, vascular structures, and skeletal components. The study concludes that RTAs are a major contributor to fatal abdominal injuries in Kenya, particularly among young male pedestrians and cyclists. It underscores the need for comprehensive autopsy evaluation of all abdominal structures and calls for targeted road safety interventions, improved infrastructure, and policies aimed at protecting vulnerable road users to reduce mortality and injury burden.