Occupational Injury Patterns of Patients Presented to Trauma Centre Gujranwala Teaching Hospital Gujranwala.

Abstract

Background: Occupational accidents and illnesses annually result in significant loss of life and disability. The study focuses on evaluating the sociodemographic characteristics, mechanisms, causes, regions of injury, and sectorial characteristics of occupational accidents in patients admitted to a trauma centre.

Objective: To analyse the patterns and factors associated with occupational injuries, including demographics, injury mechanisms, sectors affected, and the financial and healthcare implications of these incidents.

Methods: The study, approved by the local ethics committee, retrospectively examined patient records. Key parameters such as age, sex, injury mechanism, type, location, and educational background were analysed. Statistical significance was assessed using Kruskal-Wallis, Student's T, and Chi-Square tests, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Among 181 patients, the mean age was 32.96 ± 5.97 years, with 93.4% being male. Most injuries occurred in construction and industrial sectors, showing a significant sectoral distribution (p<0.05). There was a significant correlation between worker's sector and educational level (p<0.05). Penetrating injuries were most common (36.4%), while multiple traumas were least (0.5%). The average Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 9.79 ± 8.1, and the mean cost of treatment was $1729.57 ± 8178.3, varying significantly across industries.

Conclusion: Occupational accidents predominantly affect young male workers, particularly those with primary school education, and tend to occur during daytime hours.