@article{ref1,
title="Analysis of prospective trauma registry data in Francophone Africa: a pilot study from Cameroon",
journal="World journal of surgery",
year="2014",
author="Juillard, Catherine J. and Stevens, Kent A. and Monono, Martin Ekeke and Mballa, Georges Alain Etoundi and Ngamby, Marquise Kouo and McGreevy, Jolion and Cryer, Gill and Hyder, Adnan Ali",
volume="38",
number="10",
pages="2534-2542",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Injury rates in sub-Saharan Africa are among the highest in the world, but prospective, registry-based reports from Cameroon are limited. We aimed to create a prospective trauma registry to expand the data elements collected on injury at a busy tertiary center in Yaoundé Cameroon. <br><br>METHODS: Details of the injury context, presentation, care, cost, and disposition from the emergency department (ED) were gathered over a 6-month period, by trained research assistants using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate models were built to explore variable relationships and outcomes. <br><br>RESULTS: There were 2,855 injured patients in 6 months, comprising almost half of all ED visits. Mean age was 30 years; 73 % were male. Injury mechanism was road traffic injury in 59 %, fall in 7 %, penetrating trauma in 6 %, and animal bites in 4 %. Of these, 1,974 (69 %) were discharged home, 517 (18 %) taken to the operating room, and 14 (1 %) to the intensive care unit. The body areas most severely injured were pelvis and extremity in 43 %, head in 30 %, chest in 4 %, and abdomen in 3 %. The estimated injury severity score (eISS) was <9 in 60 %, 9-24 in 35 %, and >25 in 2 %. Mortality was 0.7 %. In the multivariate analysis, independent predictors of mortality were eISS ≥9 and Glasgow Coma Score ≤12. Road traffic injury was an independent predictor for the need to have surgery. Trauma registry results were presented to the Ministry of Health in Cameroon, prompting the formation of a National Injury Committee. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Injuries comprise a significant proportion of ED visits and utilization of surgical services in Yaoundé. A prospective approach allows for more extensive information. Thorough data from a prospective trauma registry can be used successfully to advocate for policy towards prevention and treatment of injuries.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0364-2313",
doi="10.1007/s00268-014-2604-1",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00268-014-2604-1"
}