CLINICAL PROFILE AND OUTCOME OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AMONG ADULT VICTIMS TREATED IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA: MULTI-CENTER PROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY redietgetukebede3@gmail.com

 

CLINICAL PROFILE AND OUTCOME OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AMONG ADULT VICTIMS TREATED IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA: MULTI-CENTER PROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

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Ethiopia

Oral or Poster

Road traffic accidents are a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia, where they significantly contribute to morbidity, mortality, and economic loss. This study aimed to assess the clinical profile and outcome of adult RTA patients of five government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2023 across five government hospitals. Using a pre-tested questionnaire based on the WHO injury surveillance system, data were collected from 247 patients, with a response rate of 85%. Data were analyzed using Epi-Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 26. Injury severity, mortality, and delays in receiving treatment were correlated with the time taken to reach the hospital.

Young pedestrians were most frequently affected. Although 71% arrived within 24 hours, only 15.1% received pre-hospital care. Most (89.7%) were transported by ambulance. Primary treatments administered were basic wound care (85%) and fracture management (60.7%). Treated and discharged patients accounted for 42%, while 1.8% died after arrival. Nearly 46% had moderate injuries based on the Kampala Trauma Score. Polytrauma (52.2%) was most common, followed by lower extremity trauma (22.3%). Alcohol or substance use at the time of injury was significantly associated with severe trauma (p < 0.001).

RTAs in Addis Ababa disproportionately affect young, economically active pedestrians, with significant delays in accessing care and a lack of pre-hospital services. Strengthening pre-hospital and emergency care systems and implementing stricter road safety measures is urgently needed.