[Studying the epidemiology of traumatic patients referring to Valie-Asr hospital in Arak]

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, trauma has considered as one of the important cause of mortality and disability in different countries. Due to identify the importance of this problem spread, it is vital to plan some strategies in each region in order to prevent and decrease trauma. Therefore, the aim of this study was the epidemiological assessment of traumatic patients referring to Arak Valie-Asr Hospital in 2006. In this cross-sectional and descriptive study, the data of 813 traumatic patients, who were admitted to the Arak Valie-Asr Hospital in 2006, were extracted by hospital trauma database. The data were such as demographic variables, location of trauma and its type, type of trauma [blunt or penetrating], smoking or taking drugs, using safety belt in car accidents, and how to transfer patients to the hospital. According to the findings: the most common cause of trauma was car accidents [351, 43%] followed by occupational accidents [171.21%]; 74% of patients were males; 53% were between 20-44 age-group and 64% didn't get diploma. Most of traumas have occurred outside of the town [704, 87%]; 609 patients [69%] had been transferred to the hospital by people; about 693 [85%] of traumas were blunt type. In car accidents, 16 patients [5%] were smoking and 6 patients [2%] using narcotics. Only 64 patients [18%] had used safety belt. The agents of accidents were as follow about 57% car vehicle [200]; 18% human [65] and also 25% objects and obstacles [86]. The present findings showed like other studies, the most common cause of trauma in the mentioned hospital was car accidents and most young meals are at high risk. The second cause was occupational accidents. Traumas and accidents injuries are one of the serious challenges of public health. Hence, training and developing culture for the use of safety belt, helmet and also safety measures at work could be the most important preventive factors