Patterns of injuries after road traffic crashes involving bodabodas

Abstract

Background Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. Bodabodas are a main form of transport in Kampala and are becoming a major cause of road traffic crashes. We examined the pattern of injuries attributed to bodabodas. Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all trauma patients who presented between June and August 2008 to the emergency ward of the Mulago hospital in Kampala and identified the patient characteristics and the nature of injuries sustained. Results Road Traffic Crashes (RTC's) were the leading cause of trauma and bodabodas were involved in 41% of all trauma patients. Majority of the patients were young males below the age of 40. The commonest injuries were fractures, cranial trauma and soft tissue injuries. The lower limbs bore the brunt of the injuries. Conclusions Injuries seen as a result of bodabodas constitute a majority of trauma cases and are hence a pressing problem in need of urgent solutions. The relevant authorities should ensure preparedness of the health system to cater for the care of these patients.