Demographic details, mode of presentation, contributory factors and outcome of trauma patients who visited North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama from 1st April 2009 to 1st July 2009

Abstract

Introduction Trauma is one of the main causes of hospital morbidity and mortality. Material and methods Descriptive study which included 110 consecutive patients who presented to the Professorial Surgical Unit ,NCTH, Ragama as the first contact hospital following trauma during the period of 3 months from 1st of April 2009 to 1st of July 2009 Data was collected by interviewer administered questionnaire from the day of admission to day of discharge. Results • Demographic details The mean age of trauma victim was 34 (17-68) years and 71% (n=78) were males. 11.5% (n=23) victims were daily paid manual workers. Among all victims of trauma 77% (n=70) were to be educated up to O/L or more. 42% (n=46) were single. • Mode of presentation of all admissions The analysis revealed 56% (n=61) of trauma were due to road traffic accidents and 13.5% (n=14) due to occupational hazards. 39.1% (n= 43) had head injury and 12% (n=11) had hand injury. • Contributory factors At the time of admission13.5% (n=13) were under the influence of alcohol, 66.5% (n=73) had sleep deprivation(less than 6 hours of sleep), 65.4% (n=68) of trauma were high velocity injuries, 57.6% (n=60) had not used protective devices. • Other factors influencing the outcome 57.7% (n=60) had not had first aid and 15.7% (n=15) had delay for more than 2 hours in reaching the hospital.

• Outcome 65.4% (n=68) of trauma victims were discharged before 7 days after admission and 1.9% (n=2) died and 1.9 % (n=2) ended up with amputation. Discussion and conclusion Our study shows the importance of wearing protective devices, controllable speed, avoidance of sleep deprivation and abstinence from intoxicating liquor as primary prevention and practicing first aid measures, early access to medical facility as secondary preventive measures in order to achieve SAFE TOMORROW.