The Prevalence Of Head Injury In Patients On Surgical Ward At Kampala International University Teaching Hospital In Bushenyi District.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a significant public health problem worldwide and is predicted to surpass many diseases as a major cause of death and disability by the year 2020. Despite the growing burden of injuries, there are still limited primary epidemiologic data to guide health policy and health system development. This research study was meant to reveal the prevalence of head injury and associated risk factors among patients admitted on the surgical ward in KIUTH in Bushenyi district.

Method: It was retrospective, that involved reading through available literature on head injury and

collection of baseline information on the study area by careful review of surgical ward and hospital

patients’ records. Results: From 9 September 2013 to 9 September 2014, 1400 patients were admitted on surgical ward of KIUTH of whom 60 were analyzed with head injury. Majority (87%) were 13-50 years old. Males contributed the biggest number 75%. Most of the patients had informal employment (62%), and had only primary level education (45%) or secondary level (35%). Of all the victims of head injury, the married were mostly affected (50%) compared to singles (2%), or divorced/separated (13%). The biggest number (72%) had been in Road Traffic Accidents, (15%) were involved in fighting, (10%) had been drunk, (3%) with work related accidents. Most admissions were closed head injury (87%), of mild grade (87%), that improved well upon treatment without disability (80%). For all (100%), there was no protective measures recorded on patients at the time of injury.Conclusion: Head injury has a relatively small (2%) contribution to the number of patients admitted on KIUTH surgical ward. It affects more males than females (ratio of 3:1). RTAs account for majority of the cases. Being male, Low level of education, poor economic status, travelling and Lack of protective head gear predisposed to head injury. Most head injuries were mild and recover well though a small but significant number ended with disability.