Epidemiological profile of road traffic injury patients, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) screening uptake in hospitals in Fako Division, Cameroon

Abstract

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a major global public health concern, often leading to serious physical and psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A limited understanding of specific RTI patient characteristics, particularly regarding PTSD screening recommendation and uptake in health facilities in Cameroon, hinders the development of effective PTSD management strategies. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile of RTI patients and PTSD screening uptake in hospitals in Fako Division, Cameroon. A chart review of medical records of RTI patients received between 2019 and 2023 was conducted from July 30th, 2024 to August 30th, 2024 at three hospitals in Fako Division, Cameroon: Buea Regional Hospital, Saint Luke Hospital, and Limbe Regional Hospital. A data extraction form was used to collect demographic information, injury characteristics, and PTSD screening recommendations and uptake. We used Chi-square test to investigate associations between independent variables and PTSD screening recommendation and uptake. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to identify independent predictors. A total of 4218 RTI patients were included. Patients were predominantly male, 69.6% (2937/4218). The age group of 26-35 years recorded the highest proportion, 31.7% (1339/4218). Only 12.7%(534/4218) of patients were hospitalized, with only 11.0% (59/534) of hospitalized patients recommended for PTSD screening, and 44.1% (26/59) of those recommended undergoing screening. Independent predictors for PTSD screening recommendation included sedative given (AOR = 6.5, 95%CI = 1.4-30.1), psychotherapy recommended (AOR = 19.2, 95%CI = 8.9-41.6), and transfusion performed (AOR = 3.5, 95%CI = 1.5-7.9). PTSD screening uptake was significantly associated with recommendation for psychotherapy (COR = 4.2, 95%CI = 1.4-12.7). Males were mostly involved. PTSD screening recommendation (11.0%) and uptake (44.1%) were low among RTI patients. PTSD screening uptake was significantly associated with recommendation for psychotherapy. This underscores the urgent need for systematic PTSD screening and integrated mental health services to develop tailored management strategies and improve outcomes in Fako Division and similar contexts.