The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Pattern of Trauma Presenting to a Tertiary Care Trauma Centre in Oman

Abstract

Objective: We noticed a change in the pattern of presentation of trauma cases at SQUH, before the pandemic and during the two waves. Our study aimed at studying this observation. Methods: This retrospective study was from January 2019 to October 2021. Data of all trauma patients was collected from the hospital information system after ethics committee approval. The pattern of trauma was divided into pediatric, adult, and geriatric age groups. Location of trauma was described as outdoor, home and roads along with the details of mechanism of trauma was collected. Patients with incomplete data were excluded. Results: Based on the inclusion criteria 589 records were analyzed. The mean age of presentation was 29 years. Majority were male (71%). Adults were (54.2%), pediatrics (34%) and geriatric (11.9%). There was a gradual increase in percentage of pediatric trauma during pre-COVID, COVID wave 1 and COVID wave 2 (29%, 32%, 51%), respectively. A significant decline in the number of geriatric trauma by almost 50% between pre-covid and covid phase II. Increase in trauma at home during COVID phase II (65.9%) as was an increase in penetrating trauma during COVID phase II (16.5%). ICU admissions increased during the first wave of the pandemic (10.5%). Conclusion: We noted a true change in the pattern of trauma cases before and during the COVID -19 pandemic. Observations made could lead to better safety guidelines for the pediatric age groups and take steps to reduce penetrating trauma.
 Keywords: Trauma, coronavirus, COVID-19, Oman, Muscat, Epidemiology.