ADMISSIONS FOR INJURY AT A RURAL HOSPITAL IN GHANA - IMPLICATIONS FORPREVENTION IN THE DEVELOPING-WORLD

Objectives. Strategies for injury prevention have been extensively stu died in developed nations but not in the developing world. This study sought to determine which mechanisms of injury were common in a rural developing area and which were important contributors to mortality and disability. Methods. All 614 patients admitted for injuries to a rura l African hospital between 1987 and 1991 were analyzed retrospectively for mechanism of injury and outcome, as assessed by mortality and lon g-term functional status. Results. The leading mechanisms of injury we re transport related (29%) and bums (16%). Burns accounted for 61% of injuries in children under 5 years. Mortality was 7.3% in the series, with 24% of deaths owing to transport injuries. Disability developed i n 103 (22%) of the 462 survivors available for assessment, with most d isability resulting from transport injuries (26% of all disabilities), burns (13%), and agricultural injuries (14%). Conclusions. Among inju red patients who presented for treatment in this rural developing area , the largest burden of mortality and disability was from burns and tr ansport-related injuries. Population-based studies are needed to subst antiate whether these should be priorities for injury prevention effor ts.