Injury Patterns and Predictors of Delays to Obtaining Computed Tomography in the North Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction Injuries constitute a global public health problem, with a higher disease burden in low‐ and middle‐income countries where disability and mortality are significantly high. Accessibility concerns nevertheless persist regarding computed tomography (CT) utilization, the imaging workhorse for the assessment of most injuries. This study aimed to contribute to understanding injury patterns in Cameroon and to assess delays in obtaining CT in a low human development index setting. Methods A cross‐sectional hospital‐based study was conducted from July 2023 to December 2024 at a university‐affiliated referral hospital in the North Region of Cameroon. Data were collected from all patients aged 18 years and above who were referred with moderate to severe injuries after consent was obtained. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify predictors of delays to CT utilization, and the threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results A total of 511 participants were enrolled, with a sex ratio of 1.8:1 and a mean (SD) age of 30.6 ± 6.4 years. Road traffic injuries (RTIs) accounted for 69.9% (275/393) of injuries, followed by stab wounds (11.9%; 47/393). Motorbike use was reported in 52.4% (144/275) of the patients and was also the primary means of transportation to the referral hospital (55.3%; 213/385). Overall, extremity fractures were the most common lesions (49.6%; 192/387). Predictors of delays to obtaining CT were age < 40 years ( a OR = 7.6, 95%CI: 2.4–23.9, and p = 0.001), male sex ( a OR = 4.9, 95%CI: 2.3–10.7, and p < 0.001), reporting financial difficulties ( a OR = 13.8, 95%CI: 4.9–38.9, and p < 0.001), and sustaining an RTI ( a OR = 3.9, 95%CI: 1.9–7.9, and p < 0.001). Conclusion RTIs are the predominant injury mechanism in the North Region of Cameroon, involving mostly motorbikes and young males for whom CT access is a challenge. Reinforcing policies that ensure the safety of all road users and that facilitate access to CT imaging would improve health outcomes.