Alcohol-Related Traumatic Deaths in Transki Region; South Africa

ABSTRACT

This is a retrospective descriptive study on 105 trauma related deaths. Interviews of the family members were conducted individually before carrying out the autopsies at Umtata General Hospital (UGH). The cause of death was recorded along with the age; and personal habits such as alcohol; and tobacco smoking. This is the referral hospital for a surrounding population of about 400;000. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of alcohol among victims of traumatic deaths in the Transkei region.One hundred and five trauma victims were studied. Motor vehicle accidents caused deaths of 34(32); fatal gunshot injuries 25(24); stab injuries 18(17); blunt trauma 10(9); and miscellaneous 19(18). Majority of the victims; 71(68) were under 40 years of age. In 52(49.5) there was a history of alcohol consumption. Eighteen were between 21 and 30 years; 11 were between 31 to 40 years. Half were smokers. Twenty nine percent were laborers with low level of education. The alcohol related traumatic deaths are high in the Transkei region. There is a need to control alcohol