Mapping and characterizing head trauma in the Littoral region of Cameroon: a descriptive cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Background: Head trauma (HT) causes substantial mortality. In Cameroon, the burden is high. The Littoral region (LT) records the largest share of reported cases. The distribution of HT in the LT is poorly documented. Objective: To map and characterize HT of patients admitted at the Laquintinie Hospital (LH). Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in the Neurosurgery Department of LH, analyzing 1,325 cases of HT from January 2023 to May 2024. Social, demographic, occupational, contextual, severity, and mortality-related data were collected from the patients’ files. Data were analyzed using R software. Results: Most patients came from urban areas (1255, 94.7%), with a mean age of 37 ± 15 years. The majority had secondary education (791, 59.7%) and were engaged in skilled manual labor (332, 25.2%). Douala accounted for 1154 (87.15%). Most traumas occurred on the road (1046, 79%), due to traffic accidents (RTA), with 915 (69.1%). Motorcycle taxi drivers accounted for 55.7% of the 916 RTAs, while pedestrians made up 214 (23.4%), with practically no use of safety equipment. Among motorcycle drivers, 891 (97.3%) did not wear a helmet, while 687 (75%) of private vehicle drivers did not wear a seat belt. HT was mild in 1116 (84.23%), moderate in 105 (7.92%), and severe in 43 (3.25%). The mortality rate was 34 (2.6%). Conclusion: HT in the LT is highest in Douala with RTA. It mainly affects motorcycle taxi drivers and pedestrians, who do not use safety equipment. Although 84.23% of cases were mild, mortality reached 2.6%, highlighting the urgent need for road safety measures.