Emergency Department Disposition Among Pediatric Road Traffic Injury Patients Admitted to AaBET Hospital Emergency Department, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Children are particularly vulnerable to road traffic injuries (RTIs) leading to morbidity and mortality. Despite the high incidence of pediatric RTIs in Ethiopia, data on the patterns and consequences of pediatric RTIs are limited.

Objective: To assess the characteristics and ED disposition among pediatric patients (age ≤ 18 years old) with RTI admitted to emergency department of Addis Ababa Burn, Emergency, and Trauma (AaBET) Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted, focusing on pediatric patients with RTIs who presented it to the emergency department of AaBET Hospital from December 12, 2021, to December 30, 2023, retrospectively. Data were collected using a standardized structured data collection checklist from hospital data records and medical charts. A sample size of 279 pediatric RTI patients was included from registered hospital records. After data cleaning, data were analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the dependent variables.

Result: Out of 279 patients, the median age was thirteen (IQR: 9-17). A total of 54.1% of the patients were male. One hundred and fourteen (40.9%) of those were from age 15-18. Two hundred and eight (74.6%) patients were pedestrians. Forty-eight percent of the patients sustained injury while in transit to work or school. Seventy six (27.2%) came to the hospital with private cars or trucks, while 63 (22.6%) came with an ambulance. One-hundred thirty five (48.4%) of the patients sustained extremity and pelvis injuries, while 41.9% sustained head injuries. Two-hundred fifty-five (91.4%) patients were discharged home from the emergency department. The emergency department mortality was 0.7%.

Conclusion: In this study, children from the ages of 15-18 were more affected by RTIs. Pedestrians and while in transit to school or work were more injured. Head and extremity injuries were the predominant injuries that happened to children. Children and schools should be prioritized in targeted road safety initiatives, supported by stricter enforcement of traffic laws near school zones.