Prevalence and profile of injuries in Khorixas District Hospital, Namibia.

The aims of this study were to identify the demographic characteristics of injury victims and the types of injury cases seen and admitted for treatment in Khorixas District Hospital, Namibia. A descriptive retrospective survey of all injuries attended to and admitted in the hospital from January 2001 to December 2004 was done using document review of patients' medical records. A total of 331 injury cases (6.8% of all admissions) were admitted. The age group 20-29 years was the most commonly affected, with 18% injured. Injury was common among the males (76%). The unemployed constituted 36% of all the injuries, followed by children/infants (19%). Over two-thirds (68%) of the injuries were unintentional. Cuts and stabs were the most common (24%) type of injury among the injury cases admitted. Motor vehicle accidents accounted for 21% of all injuries admitted. Over a third (36%) of all the injuries were alcohol related. Farmers (11%) constitute the most affected group among the employed. Type of injury and occupation were significantly associated (χ²=107.879, p<0.001). Mass propagation of anti-violence education is needed to reduce the high rate of intentional injuries among the injuries such as cuts/stabs, assaults, human bite and gunshot injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]