Epidemiology of transportation related injuries in rural Africa

Mock, C.; nii-Amon-Kotei, D.; Forjuoh, S.; Rivara, F.

Affiliations

¹U of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

²U Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

³U Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

Abstract

To better ascertain the incidence, characteristics, and consequences of transport related injuries in a developing rural area, we undertook an epidemiologic survey in Ghana. From the 9442 persons surveyed, 928 injuries were reported for the preceding year. Transport related mechanisms accounted for 10% of these but were more severe than other mechanisms in terms of mortality, length of disability, and economic consequences. Most common were bicycle crashes. Second most common were motor vehicle crashes, which were the most severe and which involved commercial (83%) rather than private vehicles. Prevention strategies need to be different from developed nations and need to target commercial drivers more than private road users.

Cited Works (2)

Year	Entry
1996	Mock C, nii-Amon-Kotei D, Forjuoh S, Rivara F. Epidemiology of transportation related injuries in a sub-saharan African city. In: 40th Annual Proceedings, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM). October 7-9, 1996; Vancouver, BC.171-185.
1988	MacKenzie EJ, Siegel JH, Shapiro S, Moody M, Smith RT. Functional recovery and medical costs of trauma: an analysis by type and severity of injury. J Trauma. March 1988;28(3):281-297.

Cited By (1)

Year	Entry
1998	Mock C, Asiamah G, Amegashie J. Epidemiology of alcohol impaired driving in an African nation. In: 42nd Annual Proceedings, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM). October 5-7, 1998; Charlottesville, VA.335-351.