Pattern and Outcomes of Injuries Following Motorcycle Accidents in Children at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Motorcycles have progressively become a common means of transport in low- and middle-income countries and with this, motorcycle injuries have increased in number among children and adolescents. This accounts to a proportionate share in the cause of morbidity and mortality in road traffic accidents (RTA) amongst children. There is paucity of data in regards to motorcycle injuries in children in LMICs where motorcycle use has markedly increased. Therefore, understanding the pattern of injuries and outcome of motorcycle injury in children will help in formulating preventive measures and management protocols. Study Objective: To determine pattern of injuries and outcomes following motorcycle accidents in children at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Study design: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study Study setting: Kenyatta National hospital health information department. Study population: Children below the age of 18 years managed for motorcycle accident injuries between January 2014 to December 2019 at KNH. Sample size: 254 participants Data Analysis: Data collected including patient’s demographics, pattern of injury and outcome of injury was recorded and analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. Socio demographic and clinical characteristics were presented as proportions, type of injury and the management outcomes will be presented in frequencies and percentages. Results: 244 participants were enrolled in the study, 70.9 % were male and 29.1% were female. Preschoolers (0-6 years) were the majority at 35.2%. Motorcycle to pedestrian Collison was the most common mechanism of crush (50%) with 51.2% of all the patients injured being pedestrians.54.7% of the pedestrians injured while crossing the road.36% of these accidents occurred in the evening(4pm-7pm). Head injury was the most common site of injury (43.4%), 31.6% patients sustained multiple injuries. Fractures 44% was the most common single type of injury.71% had serious injuries as per the abbreviated injury score (AIS) that required hospitalization. 2.9% mortality rate was observed from the study with 82.4% of patients being on long term follow up. 3,3% of patients who sustained motorcycle injuries developed permanent disability.............................................................................................