Epidemiological Trends of Trauma in Tertiary Care Centre in Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka, India

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: To study the pattern and burden of trauma cases which presented to a tertiary care centre in an upcoming Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka, India. Methods: This was an epidemiological study. Data was collected by purposive sampling technique. Study period lasted from Jan 2013 to Aug 2013. Collected data was analyzed. Results: The annual incidence of trauma at our centre was 15.96% (1140 cases). Most of the injuries were reported in 21- 30 years age group. The male to female ratio was approximately 2.3:1. Limb injury (66.92%) constituted the commonest form of injury. Among the various injuries, fall was the commonest cause of injury (60.78%), followed by RTA (16.75%) and assault (11.6%). A majority of the cases were admitted during night time (61.24%). Conclusion: There has been an alarming increase in the number of trauma cases in the past decade. The target age group being the most productive one; it affects the economy directly . There is a need of urgent protective measures which are required for the benefit of the community.

Keywords

• trauma
• road traffic accidents
• assault
• epidemiology
• fall from height