Pattern of road traffic injuries in Yemen: a hospital-based study

Introduction: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the eighth leading cause of death globally and the leading cause of death for young people. This study aimed to present time-limited trial surveillance in two referral hospitals to describe the pattern of RTIs in Sana'a, Yemen and determine road traffic crashes (RTCs) associated factors. Methods: All RTIs presented to Emergency Departments (ED) of the two Sanaa city hospitals between August and October, 2015 were studied and described. Data were collected everyday by trained data collectors. A pretested questionnaire modified from WHO injury surveillance form was used for data collection. Results: A total of 156 casualties from 128 RTCs had attended the two study hospitals during the study period. About 73% of victims were less than 30 years old. Only 13% of casualties were transported by ambulance. None of the victims wore the seat belt in case of 4-wheeled vehicles' users nor the helmet in case of 2-wheeled vehicles' users. Poor driving skills were involved in 133 (85%) casualties. Factors related to the vehicles contributed to 12% of RTCs. Of the 156 casualties, 17% had severe injuries and needed ICU admission. After 48 hours of the accident, 38% of patients ended with disability due to fractured limbs, 29% were not improving and their conditions were deteriorating, 18% had recovered and 5% died. Conclusion: Several personal, behavioral, environmental and vehicles related factors had contributed to RTIs in Yemen. The burden of RTIs in Yemen in terms of disability and mortality is high.