Self reported alcohol use in an urban traffic trauma population in Kenya.
BACKGROUND
Kenya has a soaring rate of road traffic fatalities. Available evidence suggests significant alcohol-relatedness to trauma. We know little about the prevalence of alcohol-related injuries in Nairobi.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the extent and pattern of alcohol use in subjects admitted following road traffic accident.


METHODS
A descriptive hospital based survey.


METHODS
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)- a university affiliated hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.


RESULTS
The overall incidence of alcohol use was 26.3%. This was higher in males (29.6%) than females (9.1%). Use was 24.4%, 31.0%, 28.6% and 13.6% in the 16-25, 26-35, 36-45 and 46-55 age groups respectively. The mean ages, pre-hospital times and ISS were similar for the AUG and NAUG. The incidence of males, weekend injuries, night collisions, and pedestrian involvement was 94.4%, 69.4%, 41.7%, 77.8% in the AUG and 83.2%, 35.6%, 19.8% and 61.4% in the NAUG respectively. The incidence of head and extremity injuries in AUG was 27.8% and 50% respectively compared to 11.9% and 66.3% in the NAUG. Treatment costs were higher for the NAUG.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest a high incidence and potential alcohol-relatedness to road trauma in Nairobi. The study calls for objective evaluation of the extent, interactions and effects of this modifiable trauma factor.
Hassan
S
S
Department of Human Anatomy, College of Health Sciences. University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197. Nairobi, Kenya.
Macharia
W M
WM
Atinga
J
J
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*