Epidemiology Of Gunshot Injuries In Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Civilian gunshot injuries are a common encounter in medical practice in our environment with varied aetiological factors in different geopolitical regions. This report examines the pattern of gunshot injuries in a secondary Health facility over a 24-month period. Patients and Methods: All cases of GSI seen at the Accident and Emergency department of the State Hospital, Abeokuta from January 2010 to December 2011 retrospectively analyzed. Results: There were 46 cases with males constituting 44(95.1%) of cases, whilst female accounted for 2 (4.4%) cases thus giving a M:F ratio of 22:1. GSI commonly occurs in the age group 21 – 40 years (65.1%), whilst the lower limb was the most common anatomic region affected (39.1%). The other body regions affected were upper limb (30.4%), Head & Neck (15.2%), Abdomen (6.5%), Chest (2.2%), Trunk(back) (2.2%). 4.4% of patients had multiple sites of GSI.13(28.3%) cases were recorded in 2010 as against the 33(71.7%) cases seen in 2011an election year.35(76.1%) patients were treated and eventually discharged, while 5(10.9%) patients were referred to a Neurosurgical service. 5 patients died from their injuriesgiving a mortality rate of 10.9%. 1 patient discharged himself against medical advice. Conclusion: GSI is a cause of traumatic death, and enormous morbidity in our environment, striking at the most productive age group of the economy. There is need for a concerted effort to stem the tide.