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Affiliation
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Departments of Pathology, and Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria |
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Abstract
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Background: Accidents are common events in our society and have contributed significantly to causes of morbidity and mortality in most hospitals. In our environment accidents are fast becoming the commonest cause of death. Only few cases of these accidents are reported to the corona for investigation.
Method: Records of deaths from January 1996- December 2000 reported to the corona for autopsies from two major Hospitals in Jos city were analyzed. Those related to accidents were retrieved and studied. Information from the Police regarding causes of accidents was also extracted. Data on the deceased such as age, sex, and nature of injury were also collated. Police reports on the contributing factors to accidents were also analysed.
Results: A total of 270 cases of deaths were reported to the corona for autopsies out of which 122 (45%) were accident deaths. One hundred and three (86%) cases were males while 19 cases were females. Two-thirds of deaths (60%) were in the productive age group of 21�40 years. Multiple fractures long bones without head injury accounted for 37.7% of deaths, followed by head/upper spinal injuries 24.6%, crushed body injuries 22%, while, intra-abdominal organ injuries which accounted for 15.6%. Analysis of types of accidents showed that vehicle, motorcycle, airplane crash and pedestrian accidents accounted for 59.8%, 20.5%, 10.7% and 9.0% respectively. Information from the Police on motor vehicle accidents, records showed that 50% of the accidental events were due to dangerous driving under the influence of alcohol.
Conclusion: Accident death in our environment appears to affect mostly men in the productive and reproductive age groups. However measures that regulate vehicle speed on the road and alcohol intake by drivers may reduce more than half of such deaths. |