Citation

Allan A, Hakim EA. Afr. Safety Promot. 2010; 8(1): 37-49.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Motorcycle related trauma (MRT) is a major cause of morbidity in those of working age in the developing world. At Juba Teaching Hospital in South Sudan, Central Equatoria, 116 patients involved in MRT were identified over four weeks. Of these, 97 (84%) were males with an average age of 26.7 years. The majority of males injured were motorcycle riders, whereas the majority of females injured were pedestrians. The most frequent injuries sustained by participants were lacerations, abrasions and fractures, and the most common areas affected were the lower limb, upper limb and head. Forty-four patients were admitted to the ward, and 46% (26/44) of them did not hold a motorcycle licence; 96.5% of riders (55/57) and 91.3% of passengers (21/23) were not wearing a helmet; and 24.6% of riders (14/57) were under the influence of alcohol at the time of injury. The vast majority of accidents occurred on surfaced roads within central Juba. This study highlights the need for tighter regulation of motorcycle ownership, usage and personal safety in addition to wider infrastructural development. In doing this it might be possible to reduce morbidity and the socio-economic impact on those involved in motorcycle related accidents and the families who depend on them.

Language: en