An Analysis of the Patterns of Injuries Among the Residents of Mbiko Town, Buikwe District, Uganda.

Abstract

Background Injuries are a major cause of mortality, morbidity and disability world over and these are most experienced in developed countries as they are heavily industrialized. These countries invest heavily in research and prevention hence the reported incidence of injuries is relatively low. In Uganda, injuries have not made it to the priority list making it a wide spread problem that renders the injured persons helpless as the cost of treatment is not affordable to many. Hence this research will help inform policy development and planning for the prevention and care of injuries. Objectives These were: to analyse the patterns of injury among the residents of Mbiko Town Council; the type and causes of injuries, to establish the facilities of care and the effects of injuries among the residents of Mbiko Town Council. Methodology A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted and a sample of 100 households was randomly selected from four zones namely; Kasanja, Naava, Kyabagu and Kigobe. Using a structured questionnaire, quantitative data was collected from all members of the sampled households. A focus group discussion guide was used to collect qualitative data from selected local leaders and medical practitioners who were engaged in the discussion. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS 16.0. Participation was voluntary and ethical procedures were observed. The report will be disseminated to the participating community, International Health Science University and interested stakeholders. Results Out of the 100 respondents that were studied, road traffic accidents were suffered by people whose ages ranged from (21-40) years of age, unintentional falls, burns and animal bites were between (1-20) years of age. Most of these injuries were sustained on the roads within town and the county (43%), home (33%) and school (6%). Farms and gardens (6%), Public/office buildings (5%) and both hospital and industries (2%) finally sports (1%). Males were found to be more prone to injuries as compared to females and accounted for (57%) as compared to the females at (42%). Conclusion Injuries have been found to be a significant health problem in Mbiko Town Council as they have claimed lives, caused permanent disability, led to lost time during the treatment and recovery process and have ended careers for some of the residents. Injuries are preventable and policy need to institute measures to curb them.