Demographics of patients admitted with traumatic intracranial bleeds in Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to describe the demographics of patients presenting with traumatic intracranial bleeds at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Methods: A descriptive cross sectional analysis of consecutive patients who had traumatic intracranial bleeds, and admitted at the KNH between December 2010 and March 2011 was performed. A total of 51 patients with traumatic intracranial bleeds were recruited in the study with a male: female ratio of 24:1. Results: The age of patients ranged from 4-82 years with a mean of 34.3 (+/- 18.5). Ninety six point one (96.1) percent of the patients were males, with a male to female ratio of 24:1. Majority of the patients only had primary school education, 56.9%, while a few had tertiary level education, 3.9%. Eleven point eight (11.8%) percent of the patients did not have any form of education. Most of the patients were in some form of employment, 47.1%, while 7.8% of patients had no employment. A clear majority of these patients were married, 51%, while 47.1% were single. Thirty five point three (35.3%) percent of these patients were alcohol consumers, while 21.6% were cigarette smokers. A number of these patients had other co-morbidities. Only 7.8% of the patients were hypertensive while 2% had HIV infection. Conclusion: From the foregoing, the population greatly affected by traumatic brain injury involves the young and productive segment of the population. Specific interventions by policy makers and clinicians, based on findings of patient demographics can help prevent some of these preventable causes of traumatic brain injury