Trauma in women of child-bearing age in a high-income developing country

Abstract

Background We aimed to study the distribution and causes of trauma in women of child-bearing age. Methods Data were collected from Al-Ain Hospital (United Arab Emirates-UAE) Trauma Registry. Females aged 16 to 45 years (child-bearing age) who were admitted with trauma between March 2003 and March 2006 were included in the study. Results Females represented 9% (n=171) of all trauma patients (n=1809) of the same age group, of which 29% were UAE nationals. The mean age for females was 30.5 years. Road traffic collision (RTC) was the main mechanism of injury (n=78, 46%). Burns were significantly higher in females than males (p=0.001). Cervical fractures were significantly higher in females (p=0.04), while lumbar fractures were significantly higher in males (p=0.03). In females, pelvic fractures were diagnosed in 6.4%, spinal fractures in 7%, and both injuries in 1.2%. Three females died (1.7%), and all were due to RTC. Conclusion The majority of females involved in trauma were aged 20-34 years. RTC is the main mechanism of injury and fatality. Female trauma is associated with a high incidence of pelvic fractures. A higher rate of cervical injuries was observed in females in contrast to lumbar injuries in males.