an ePiDemiological stuDy oFroaDtraFFic acciDent cases attenDing emergency DePartment oF teacHing HosPital

Abstract

Several studies have shown that road traffic injuries are a major cause of death and disability glob-ally, with a disproportionate number occurring in developing countries. The growth in numbers of motor vehicles is a major contributing factor in the rising toll of fatalities and injuries from road traffic crashes in poor countries. In this study, we reviewed medical records of all the victims of road traffic accidents attending the emergency department of Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital within a year. A total of 757 road traffic victims were reported which accounted for 6.66% of all the cases attending the emergency. 49.93% cases belonged to 21-40 years age group. The most common victim group comprised the pedestrians (56.54%) with motorcycle (55.09%) being the most commonly involved vehicle. 44.65% accidents occurred in evening (12-6 pm). The lower limbs (in 42.0% cases) were the most common body region injured with superficial injuries (bruise/abrasion) accounting for the most common injury pattern followed by soft tissue injuries, incised/lacerated wounds and fractures and dislocations. Most accidents occurred in the April-June trimester. Address for correspondence : Dr. Prasan K Banthia KMC Teaching Hospital, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal. Email: [email protected] Received Date : 17 th Feb, 2005 Accepted Date : 12 th Jun, 2006 Key Words: Road traffic accident (RTA), emergency department, developing countries, Kathmandu.