Epidemiological Profile of Road Traffic Injury Patients in Hospitals in Fako Division, Cameroon: A Foundation for Tailored Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Management.

Abstract

Background: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a major global public health concern, often leading to serious physical and psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A limited understanding of specific RTI patient characteristics particularly regarding PTSD screening recommendation and uptake in Cameroon hinders, the development of effective PTSD management strategies. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile of RTI patients in Fako Division, Cameroon, to inform the development of tailored PTSD management interventions.

Material and methods: A chart review of medical records of RTI patients received between 2019 and 2023 was conducted from July 30 ^th 2024 to August 30 ^th 2024 at three hospitals in Fako Division, Cameroon: Buea Regional Hospital, Saint Luke Hospital Buea, and Limbe Regional Hospital. A data extraction form was used to collect demographic information, injury characteristics, and PTSD screening recommendations and uptake. Descriptive statistics and Chi square test were used for data analysis. The data was analysed in SPSS version 25.

Results: A total of 4218 RTI patients were received and managed at the three hospitals during the study period. Patients were predominantly male, 2937(69.6%). The age group of 26-35 years recorded the highest proportion, 1339(31.7%). The median age of patients was 28 years (interquartile range: 22-37). Students, 820(19.4%) were among the most involved in RTIs. Only 59(11.0%) out of the 534(12.7%) hospitalized patients after RTIs were recommended for PTSD screening, and only 26(44.1%) underwent PTSD screening. Lower limbs, 2136(50.6%), and upper limbs, 1639(38.9%) were the most affected location for the traumatic injury. In-hospital mortality was recorded in 27(5.1%) of the patients. Means of transportation of patient to the hospital, ( p =0.050), pain medication given ( p =0.024), sedative given ( p = < 0.001), surgery performed ( p =0.005), psychotherapy recommended ( p = < 0.001) and transfusion performed ( p =<0.001) were significantly associated with recommendation for PTSD screening. A statistically significant association was found between PTSD screening uptake and recommendation for psychotherapy ( p =0.010).

Conclusion: Few patients were recommended for PTSD screening and uptake was low. This indicates a significant gap in access to PTSD and mental health services for RTI patients in Fako. PTSD screening uptake was significantly associated with recommendation for psychotherapy. Findings provide information for developing tailored PTSD management strategies and improving patients' outcomes in this region.