Pattern of pedestrian injuries from road traffic accidents in Nigerians

Abstract

A prospective study of 108 Nigerian pedestrian road traffic accident (RTA) victims was conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital in Nigeria between 1983 and 1984. Peak incidence occurred among 6 to 12 year old children while male/female ratio was 2.4/1. Multiple injuries occurred in 51.9% of the patients involving most frequently the chest with other body parts. Fifty-two patients (48.1%) required minor and major operations while the remaining 51.9% were treated non-operatively. Mortality was 12.0%. Only two of the thirteen dead patients were children. Socio-cultural, economic and clinical factors contributing to pedestrian RTA morbidity and mortality are reviewed as a basis for recommending preventive measure.