Abstract:
Globally, Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) are ranked 8th among the leading causes of
disability adjusted life years lost among all populations and is the leading cause of
death in children and young adults 5-29 years of age. The burden is
disproportionately borne by pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, in particular
those living in developing countries. Kenya, as a country has made little efforts in
ensuring safety for all road users at all times. The objective of this study was to
assess the patterns and mortality rates of motorcycle related injuries in Kerugoya
town, Kirinyaga County. A retrospective cross- sectional study design was
employed. Secondary data on motorcycle related accidents was collected and
analysed for 385 victims. Data was collected using structured checklists. The process
involved one-year review of existing records from Kerugoya Referral Hospital and
the County Traffic Police Department. Data analysis was done using Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The mean age of motorcycle crash
victims was 31.5 years (range 7-60years). Males were 228(62.1%) and females
139(39.7%). The most common pattern (anatomical part) of injury sustained by
victims was lower extremity injuries 124(34.0%), followed by head and neck injuries
107 (29.1%), chest injuries 74(20.1%) and upper extremity injuries 62(17.0). Majority
of motorcycle riders 62 (32.6%) and passengers 58 (30.5%) who did not have a helmet
during the time of crash sustained head and neck injuries. Passengers (65%)
constituted a larger percentage of the crash injury victims reporting to hospital. We
recommend that County traffic department should organize consistent public
awareness education on road safety.
