Clinical Profile, Management, and Outcomes of Chest Injury Patients in Level III Hospitals in the Southwest Region of Cameroon: A Retrospective Descriptive Study

Abstract

What is known. Chest injuries are a major cause of trauma death worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, the burden is high, but granular data on who is affected, how they are injured, and their outcomes in regional hospitals are sparse. The problem addressed. This study documented the patient profiles, causes, patterns of injury, and treatment results for chest trauma admissions at two key regional hospitals in South-West Cameroon over a five-year period. What this study adds. The data reveal that young men bear the brunt of this injury burden, primarily from road crashes. Most injuries were blunt and mild. Despite limited use of advanced imaging like CT scans (2.74%), conservative management led to discharge for 85% of patients, though 4.11% died in hospital. Implications. Preventing motorcycle and road traffic injuries must be a public health priority. Equipping regional hospitals with essential diagnostic tools and training staff in standard trauma management protocols could further reduce mortality from these common injuries. This publication is available in full in Health Research in Africa.