Epidemiology, clinical characteristics and early outcomes of traumatic injury at the Emergency Department of the Regional Hospital Bamenda: a hospital-based descriptive observational study

Abstract

Background: Traumatic injury is physical harm to the human body and can be intentional or non-intentional. In Cameroon, road traffic accidents (RTA) account for 28% of emergency department consultations. An apparent increase in traumatic injury in our setting with a paucity of data on the subject motivated this study. Materials and Methods: This was a 4-month hospital-based descriptive observational study at the Emergency Department (ED) of Regional Hospital Bamenda (RHB) from 1st February 2024 to 31st May 2024. Data on patient demographics, injury characteristics, and treatment outcomes was captured using a predesigned questionnaire. This was then analysed using the R-software. Results: A total of 4211 patients consulted the ED of RHB with 445 due to trauma giving an incidence of 10.57%. Out of 388 patients who consented, 64.69% were males in a sex ratio of 1.83. Ages ranged from 0.5-92 years (mean age of 32 years). Students (21.65%) were the most affected. Road traffic accidents (60%) were the most common cause of injury followed by burns (10%). A total of 1,311 lesions were identified. Fractures (29.14%), deep lacerations (18.61%), and traumatic brain injury (14.49%) were the main injury patterns. The majority (65.72%) were treated and discharged. Mortality rate was calculated at 2.83% with road traffic accidents and gunshot injuries most responsible in decreasing proportions. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents and gunshot injuries remain outstanding contributors to mortality associated with traumatic injuries in our setting. We are, therefore advocating for more stringent gun-control and road transport policies.