Epidemiology of gunshot injuries in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Backkground: The incidence of civilian gunshot injuries has been reported to be on the increase globally. This study was undertaken to determine the epidemiology of gunshot injuries in Kano, Northern Nigeria. Patients AND Methods:A retrospective analysis of patients with gunshot injuries seen at five major government hospitals in Kano metropolis over a four year period (1999-2002). Results: There were 224 cases, with males outnumbering females by a ratio of 27:1. Eighty-one point three percent of patients were aged between 20 and 44 years. The most commonly injured body regions were the lower limbs (31.6%), chest (15.6%) , upper limbs (9.4%) and head (9.0%). A fatal outcome was recorded in 12.5% of cases. Most injuries occurred among traders, students, farmers and security agents, and armed robbery attacks and civil conflicts were the aetiological factors in majority of cases. Conclusion: Gunshot injuries are a major cause of morbidity among adult men in Kano. Addressing the root causes of violence such as poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse will reduce the incidence of gunshot injuries in our society.

Pattern of firearm injuries managed at rural tertiary centre in Western Uttar Pradesh, North India

“…Similar injury patterns were also reported by other authors. 2,[16][17][18][19] A good knowledge of the nature and type of gunshot wounds allows the clinicians to understand the type gun used and this is of great importance for medico-legal purposes and surgical treatment.…”

“…2,5,6 Easier availability of handguns and rifles is rising and as a result there is a rise in gunshot wound victims seen at hospitals. 7 Trauma surgeons should be familiar with management of firearm injuries.…”

Autopsy Review of Gunshot Deaths in A South Eastern Tertiary Hospital of NIGERIA FROM 2008-2012

“…Mohammed A.Z et al study in the North central part of Nigeria has same male dominant with a wide ratio when compared with the females. 18 Azam Khan Khetran et al attributed the increased in male victims to long-term hostility in Pakistan. 19 Intracerebral haemorrhages and haemothorax were both 15% as these appeared to be the third prominent sudden death.…”

Penetrating abdominal injuries in adults seen at two teaching hospitals in Ghana

“…[1][2][3] The proliferation of small arms -following civil wars and internal armed changes of the political process in many countries in the sub-region -has increased the crime rate and thus the incidence of penetrating abdominal injuries. 2 Previous studies have highlighted the economic impact of the increased incidence of trauma in the subregion as the injuries affect mostly the productive sector of the population.…”