Reported Incidence of Motorcycle Crush in Comboni Catholic Hospital

ABSTRACT

Road Traffic injuries are of major health problem. In recent years there has been an increase in motorcycling as means of transport in Sogakope. It is believed that motorcycle is also a source of employment and income to young people. This increase in motorcycling has been accompanied by an increase of motorcycle crash injuries. Despite the alarming increase of motorcycle crash injuries, little is known about the reported incidence in Comboni   hospital, pattern of injuries and associated factors of motorcycle crash. This study sought to identify the incidence, pattern and factors associated with motorcycle crash injuries among the victims treated at Comboni Catholic Hospital. This was a retrospective cross sectional study involving motorcycle crash injury victims treated at the emergency department of Comboni hospital from January, 2015 to December, 2015. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the information from the study participants in a face to face interview. Data on demographic factors, injury patterns, use of helmet and license possession were recorded. The injuries were grouped according to anatomical location. Data were entered into the statistical package for social studies (SPSS) program (version 16) for clearing, coding and statistical analysis. In the period of twelfth months a total of 73 road traffic injury victims were treated at the emergency department of Comboni hospital, out of who 60% were motorcycle crash injury victims the study included 40 motorcycle crash injury victims. The motorcycle crash injury victims were between the age of 20 and 40 years. The extremity injuries and head injuries were the commonest injuries. The commonest musculoskeletal injury was fracture, with tibia-fibula fracture comprising the largest proportion. The collision between motorcycle and motor vehicle was the most frequently reported collision followed by collision between motorcycle and pedestrian .Helmet use was reported in only 10% motorcycle crash injury victims including rider and passenger 40%   of riders possessed license and its possession significantly influenced the use of helmet among riders Motorcycle crash is major problem at Comboni and the majority of those who are involved in motorcycle crashes are youth. The majority of the injuries involved the extremity and head injuries. Riding license and use of helmet are still not widely used. And the collision between a motorcycle and motor vehicle was the most recorded. Since motorcycle crashes are preventable and associated factors causing injuries are reducible necessary laws and restrictive regulations should be put in place. Also the educational programs on road safety should be implemented in primary schools.