Epidemiology of Accident Deaths in Jos, Nigeria (1996-2000)

Background: Accidents are common events in our society and have contributed significantly to causes of morbidity and mortality in most hospitals. In our environment accidents are fast becoming the commonest cause of death. Only few cases of these accidents are reported to the corona for investigation. Method: Records of deaths from January 1996- December 2000 reported to the corona for autopsies from two major Hospitals in Jos city were analyzed. Those related to accidents were retrieved and studied. Information from the Police regarding causes of accidents was also extracted. Data on the deceased such as age, sex, and nature of injury were also collated. Police reports on the contributing factors to accidents were also analysed. Results: A total of 270 cases of deaths were reported to the corona for autopsies out of which 122 (45%) were accident deaths. One hundred and three (86%) cases were males while 19 cases were females. Two-thirds of deaths (60%) were in the productive age group of 21-40 years. Multiple fractures long bones without head injury accounted for 37.7% of deaths, followed by head/upper spinal injuries 24.6%, crushed body injuries 22%, while, intra-abdominal organ injuries which accounted for 15.6%. Analysis of types of accidents showed that vehicle, motorcycle, airplane crash and pedestrian accidents accounted for 59.8%, 20.5%, 10.7% and 9.0% respectively. Information from the Police on motor vehicle accidents, records showed that 50% of the accidental events were due to dangerous driving under the influence of alcohol. Conclusion: Accident death in our environment appears to affect mostly men in the productive and reproductive age groups. However measures that regulate vehicle speed on the road and alcohol intake by drivers may reduce more than half of such deaths. Introduction: Des accidents sont des événements ordinaires dans notre société et ils ont contribué d'une manière significative à des causes de la morbidité et mortalité dans la plupart des hôpitaux. Dans notre milieu des accidents deviennent de plus en plus la cause la plus ordinaire de la mort. Quelques cas seulement de ces accidents sont rapportés au Corona pour des enquêtes. Méthode : Dossiers des morts du janvier 1996 - décembre 2000 rapportés à Corona pour des autopsies venant de deux Hôpitaux principaux à Jos ont été analysés. Ceux ayant rapport aux accidents ont été retrouvés et étudiés. Des informations d'après la Police pour ce qui est des causes des accidents était é