Injury Patterns and Mortality Rate of Motorcycle Related Injuries in Kerugoya Town, Kirinyaga County

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.