Recreational-related head injuries in Qatar.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of recreation related-injuries (RRI) among the physically active population is increasing. This study aimed to analyse frequency and characteristics of RRI in Qatar.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients with head injuries who sustained a RRI and were admitted to the trauma unit between 2008-2011. Patients' demographics, injuries, complications and mortality were analysed.


RESULTS
Of 1665 cases of head injury, 107 (6.4%) had RRI. The majority of cases were males with mean age of 27 ± 12, injury severity score of 14 ± 8 and head abbreviated injury score of 3.2 ± 0.9. Mechanisms of injury included All-Terrain Vehicle, Jet-skiing, football and water-boat. Patients sustained RRI mainly had contusion followed by subarachnoid haemorrhage, subdural and epidural haematoma. Upper extremities and the chest were the most frequently associated injuries. Severe head injuries were observed in 18% of patients with Glasgow Coma Score <8. Median length of stay was 4 (1-67) days. The incidence of RRI was highest amongst Asians (66%) and nationals (23%). The overall mortality among patients with RRI was 7%.


CONCLUSIONS
RRI causes significant morbidity and mortality. An urgent need is recommended for legislative amendment and public awareness for safety regulations during recreational activities involving potential risk of trauma.
Section of Trauma Surgery, Hamad General Hospital , Doha , Qatar .
Ashok
A
Parchani
Ayman
A
El-Menyar
Hassan
H
Al-Thani
Mazin
M
Tuma
Ahmad
A
Zarour
Husham
H
Abdulrahman
Ruben
R
Peralta
Mohammad
M
Asim
Rifat
R
Latifi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011050:Policy Making; D011780:Qatar / Q000453:epidemiology; D011998:Recreation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution