Characteristics of injuries presenting to a rural health centre in western Kenya.
OBJECTIVE
To describe characteristics of injuries among patients presenting to a rural health centre in western Kenya, and identify the associated risk factors.


METHODS
A retrospective descriptive study.


METHODS
A primary care Ministry of Health Rural Health Centre in western Kenya.


RESULTS
Of the 315 injured patients, 62% were males and 38% females. Young adults aged 15-44 years were the most affected, comprising 63.5%. The five most common causes of injury were struck by object (36.6%), assault (34.4%), falls (11.6%), burns (6.2%) and road traffic accidents (4.7%). Quarrels and fights were the leading reasons for assaults among males (69.5%) and females (44.4%). Most injuries occurred at work (36.2%), when subjects were engaged in vital activities (19.5%) or during play/leisure time (19.2%). A third of injured adults aged 15 years and above had consumed alcohol prior to the injury event. Alcohol use was significantly associated with assaults (51.3%) than all other causes of injury (OR=4.51, p<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
The pattern and certain risk factors for non-fatal injuries among patients attending a rural health centre, such as place of occurrence, activity and alcohol use, can be identified through a facility-based electronic injury surveillance system. The information can be used to develop context-specific injury prevention interventions in the community.
Odero
W
W
Department of Epidemiology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Moi University, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya.
Polsky
S
S
Urbane
D
D
Carel
R
R
Tierney
W M
WM
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*