Risk Factors and the Pattern of Injuries of Road Traffic Accidents in Holy City of Karbala/Iraq

Abstract

Background: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Iraq, is one of
the countries with higher rates of RTIs
Objectives: To identify Risk factors and pattern of injuries of Road Traffic injuries in Holy city of Karbala/
Iraq.
Method: A Hospital-based cross sectional study conducted at Imam Hussein medical city in Karbala during
the period March, 1st to May 30th 2019 included 400 patients with different Road traffic injuries who were
present at the emergency department or admitted to the surgical wards after initial management in the
emergency department
Results: The mean age of the subjects was (26.35 ± 15.42). Almost (27.5%) of victims aged 11-20 years
and (85.5%) of cases were males and almost (48%) had low level of education. Head injuries were more
frequent, accounted for (35.1%), lower and upper limbs were injuries in (32.3%% and 10.5% respectively).
Fractures accounted for about 30% of cases. Almost (31%) the cases needed admission to the wards. The
case fatality rate was 2.5%.
Conclusion: Road traffic injuries are the most common among young people, especially motorbike drivers,
and Teenager are the most vulnerable. The Head is the most exposed part to injuries and the fractures are
the most frequent type. A large proportion of cases require medical attention within the hospital and head
injuries are the most common cause of death.