Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant public health issue, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality among youth in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Despite their impact, there is limited data on head injuries in the study area. This study aimed to determine the incidence and identify risk factors for traumatic head injuries among trauma patients at the Yanet Trauma and Surgery Specialized Centre.

Methods: A five-year institutional-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 1,029 trauma patients admitted to the Yanet Trauma and Surgical Specialized Centre. Data collection took place from September 1, 2023, to October 15, 2023. Participants were selected using simple random sampling via computer-generated random numbers. Data were collected using a checklist designed on the Kobo Toolbox and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate means, standard deviations, and medians. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between head injuries and independent variables.

Results: A total of 1,029 injured patients were followed for 2,302 person-days. The overall incidence density rate of head injury was 14.03 per 100 person-days (323 cases, 31.4%; 95% CI: 29.5–34%). The third year of follow-up had the highest incidence. The most common types of head injuries were brain contusion (38.1%), followed by epidural hematoma (33.1%), skull fracture (15.8%), and intracerebral hematoma (13.0%). Multivariable analysis identified rural residence (AOR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.18–2.16), road traffic accidents (AOR = 5.5; 95% CI: 2.27–13.34), assault (AOR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.35–8.37), and chronic disease comorbidity (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.13–4.18) were a significant risk factors for head injury.

Discussion: The findings of this study highlight the significant burden of traumatic head injuries among trauma patients in the study area, with an incidence density rate of 14.03 per 100 person-days. The following policy and programmatic actions are recommended to address this public health issue: Strengthening Road Safety Measures, Improving Emergency and Trauma Care Services, Targeted Interventions for Rural Communities, Addressing Violence and Assault, Integrated Chronic Disease Management, Public Awareness and Education Campaigns, Multi-Sectoral Collaboration.

Keywords: Head injury, incidence, risk factors, trauma, Ethiopia