Road traffic injuries in Duhok types and outcomes

Abstract EN

Background and Objectives Road traffic accident (RTA) is a significant, but preventable causes of death, disability, and economic loss in developing countries among persons of economically active age group.

The objective of the study to determine the prevalence and causes of death from road traffic accident and injuries in Duhok governorate, Kurdistan, Iraq.

Methods All road traffic accident and road traffic injuries (wounded and dead persons) were studied during period of four years (2005-2008), data were collected from report of Medico Legal Department (Duhok-Forensic medicine) and case sheets of injured persons who had been hospitalized in various Duhok governorate hospitals.

Results There were 676 dead cases fatality rate was 12.3%, the predominant number of cases was males (78.5%).

The frequency among pedestrians was 44%, drivers 37% and passengers 18%.

Majority of died cases (42%) were in the age group 21-50 years.

The great majority of cases found to have head injury.

Fatal cases (94.8%) occurred before arriving to hospital.

Conclusion Death from RTA in Duhok is the first major preventable cause of all death recorded in Duhok Forensic Department.

It is most common in male with active economically age group and pedestrian