Describing trauma patient characteristics and care provided at a referral hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania: a prospective cross-sectional study

Over 90% of trauma deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The trauma burden in Tanzania is similar to the global rate of 10% and road traffic injuries result in a 40% mortality. To understand epidemiology of trauma referrals and care we aimed to describe the patients presenting to a tertiary, referral hospital in Tanzania for trauma care, their injuries and mechanism of injury, and describe the care received.

A cross-sectional study was done at the emergency department of this tertiary referral hospital in the northwestern zone of Tanzania between March – August 2023. All patients presenting to the emergency for trauma were approached and those who could consent or assent were enrolled. Data was collected on the WHO Trauma form and injury severity was calculated with Kampala trauma score II. Data was entered into Redcap and analyzed using R statistical software. Descriptive statistics and frequency tables and charts were used to present data.

At the Emergency department, 12% of the patients were categorized as trauma. Median age was 29 years (IQR 20–41 years) with a 79% male predominance. Most patients (78%) presented with major injuries resulting from road traffic accidents. There was high acuity, with 57% had Kampala trauma score < 6. The most prevalent injuries were musculoskeletal and skin. Most patients (84%) attended one prior hospital before being referred. Mwanza region contributed the highest to the trauma referrals (53%) and the most common intervention was intravenous canulation (98%).

Trauma-related referrals are common in the young with the majority presenting from the Mwanza region. Most patients were referred from another health facility in line the with Tanzanian referral channel. Most patients had severe injury and amongst all IV cannulation was the most prevalent lifesaving intervention at EMD.