Civilian gunshot injuries at the emergency department of a Nigerian teaching hospital: patient characteristics, pattern and outcome 2014-2018

Abstract

Gunshot injuries (GSI) are a major global public health problem. Our objective was to determine the patient characteristics, pattern and outcome of civilian gunshot wounds at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, from 2014-2018. The data of 232 patients with a diagnosis of GSI during the study period were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The victims were mostly males (86.6%) and the night shifts had the highest presentations (56%). Majority of the patients (61.2%) were in the age range of 21-40 years. Armed robbery attacks were the most frequent cause of the wounds (78.9%) affecting mostly the upper and lower limbs. Eighteen (7.8%) patients died from injuries to the head, chest, abdomen and multiple parts of the body. There was a significant association between the anatomical location of the gunshot wound and mortality, p=0.017. We recommend the rigorous implementation of the Firearm Control Act and a national surveillance system for all fatal and non-fatal GSIs. There should be concerted efforts by Government and non-governmental organizations to create jobs and wealth thereby making crime less attractive.