CITYWIDE TRAUMA EXPERIENCE IN NIGERIA: THE WAY FORWARDS

*Sunday Ogunsuyi Popoola, Moruf Babatunde Yusuf, Johnson Dare Ogunlusi, Kehinde Sunday Oluwadiya

ABSTRACT

Trauma is increasing in developing countries following technological and vehicular transportation advancement with attendant heightening of morbidity and mortality. As part of quest to reduce agony of trauma to barest minimum in Africa, Kampala Trauma Score was formulated in Uganda and validated across the globe. Considering our limitations of trauma management, this study was designed to investigate the issues surrounding trauma management in this locality by investigating injury pattern, pre-hospital and hospital responses, and formulation of innovative policies on trauma prevention. In 2013 to 2015, data were collected in three stages from each patient using a registry form: at presentation (Accident and Emergency), second and sixth weeks on admission. Included in the registry: socio-demographics; aetiology; timing sequence; categorization, management modalities; and outcomes. Out of 1392 patients recruited, male was 1028(74%) and female 364(26%) with age range from 2months to 94years. Traffic crashes accounted for 64% of trauma. Main social classes involved were civil servant/private employee, students and business owners. Most of the patients were multiply injured with extremities ranked 87%. Ninety-two percent of the injury was sustained unintentionally. Alcohol/drug use was registered in 12% and 81% had surgical operations. Kampala Trauma Score graded the injury as: severe 4%, moderate 11% and mild 85%. Conclusively, road traffic was the major cause of injury and mainly on musculoskeletal system. Pre-hospital management was non-existing while hospital response was rapid but with poor and inadequate facility. Kampala Trauma Score was then ranked to have the best policy on trauma management amongst others.

Keywords: Trauma; Challenges; Developing Countries.