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CHARACTERISTICS OF INJURIES PRESENTING TO A RURAL HEALTH CENTRE IN WESTERN KENYA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To describe characteristics of injuries among patients presenting to a rural health
centre in western Kenya, and identify the associated risk factors.
Design: A retrospective descriptive study.
Setting: A primary care Ministry of Health Rural Health Centre in western Kenya.
Results: Of the 315 injured patients, 62% were males and 38% females. Young adults aged 15-44 years
were the most affected, comprising 63.5%. The five most common causes of injury were struck by
object (36.6%), assault (34.4%), falls (11.6%), burns (6.2%) and road traffic accidents (4.7%). Quarrels
and fights were the leading reasons for assaults among males (69.5%) and females (44.4%). Most
injuries occurred at work (36.2%), when subjects were engaged in vital activities (19.5%) or during
play/leisure time (19.2%). A third of injured adults aged 15 years and above had consumed alcohol
prior to the injury event. Alcohol use was significantly associated with assaults (51.3%) than all
other causes of injury (OR=4.51, p<0.0001).
Conclusion: The pattern and certain risk factors for non-fatal injuries among patients attending a
rural health centre, such as place of occurrence, activity and alcohol use, can be identified through
a facility-based electronic injury surveillance system. The information can be used to develop
context-specific injury prevention interventions in the community.
Objectives: To describe characteristics of injuries among patients presenting to a rural health
centre in western Kenya, and identify the associated risk factors.
Design: A retrospective descriptive study.
Setting: A primary care Ministry of Health Rural Health Centre in western Kenya.
Results: Of the 315 injured patients, 62% were males and 38% females. Young adults aged 15-44 years
were the most affected, comprising 63.5%. The five most common causes of injury were struck by
object (36.6%), assault (34.4%), falls (11.6%), burns (6.2%) and road traffic accidents (4.7%). Quarrels
and fights were the leading reasons for assaults among males (69.5%) and females (44.4%). Most
injuries occurred at work (36.2%), when subjects were engaged in vital activities (19.5%) or during
play/leisure time (19.2%). A third of injured adults aged 15 years and above had consumed alcohol
prior to the injury event. Alcohol use was significantly associated with assaults (51.3%) than all
other causes of injury (OR=4.51, p<0.0001).
Conclusion: The pattern and certain risk factors for non-fatal injuries among patients attending a
rural health centre, such as place of occurrence, activity and alcohol use, can be identified through
a facility-based electronic injury surveillance system. The information can be used to develop
context-specific injury prevention interventions in the community.
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