TY - JOUR PY - 2022// TI - The clinical pattern of intentional injuries at a primary Saudi Arabian trauma center JO - Journal of the Korean Society of Traumatology A1 - Shirah, Bader Hamza A1 - Shirah, Hamza Asaad A1 - Zabeery, Ibrahim Abdulaziz A1 - Sogair, Osama Abdulqader A1 - Alahmari, Ahmed Medawi A1 - Alhaidari, Wael Awad A1 - Alamri, Maher Hamdan A1 - Aljabri, Waal Nafa SP - 99 EP - 107 VL - 35 IS - 2 N2 - PURPOSE: The term "intentional injuries" refers to a spectrum of injuries resulting from self-inflicted injuries, interpersonal violence, and group acts of violence. Intentional injuries are underreported in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the characteristics of intentional injuries in patients who presented to the emergency department of a primary trauma center in Medina, Saudi Arabia in 2013.

METHODS: A prospective cohort database analysis of the clinical patterns and treatment outcomes of 252 patients who had intentional injuries between January and December 2013 was done.

RESULTS: The proportion of trauma patients with intentional injuries was 1.3%. The mean age was 34.2±9.4 years, 141 patients (56.0%) were males, and 111 (44.1%) were females (male to female ratio, 1.27:1). The majority (n=159, 63.1%) of injuries occurred at night. Most occurred outside the home (n=180, 71.0%). Financial problems (n=62, 24.6%) and social disputes (n=61, 24.2%) were the most common reasons. Sharp objects (n=93, 36.9%) were the most common weapons used. The head and neck were the most commonly injured areas (n=63, 54.4%). Superficial cuts (n=87, 34.5%), were the most common type of injury. Suturing of wounds (n=54, 21.4%) and surgical debridement (n=47, 18.7%) were the most commonly performed modalities of management.

CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that intentional injuries in Saudi Arabia are a health care hazard that is, unfortunately, underreported. The clinical pattern is similar in most aspects to international reports but differs in certain features due to the specific religious and conservative characteristics of the community. Nationwide clinical studies are strongly recommended.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1738-8767 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.20408/jti.2021.0026 ID - ref1 ER -