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Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 93 views

Characteristics of Sufferers of Head Injuries Due to Inpatient Traffic Accidents at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in 2014-2015

Introduction

Traffic accidents (KLL) are a major cause of death worldwide, particularly in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2013, Indonesia ranks third for traffic accidents resulting in death in the age group 5 to 44 years. Head injury is the most common type of injury due to this accident, and is one of the leading causes of death and disability. This study aims to explore the characteristics of patients with head injuries due to traffic accidents at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in 2014-2015.

Methodology

A descriptive study with a case series design was conducted at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in 2014-2015. The study involved 105 patients with head injuries due to traffic accidents. Data were analyzed using the Chi Square, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Main Findings

Patient Demographics

Age: The majority of patients with head injuries due to traffic accidents were between 16 to 24 years old (44.8%).
Gender: Most patients were male (79%).
Religion: The majority of patients were Muslim (63.8%).
Education: A significant proportion of patients did not have formal education (58.1%).
Marital Status: A total of 61.9% of patients were not married.

Location and Type of Accident

Location: Most patients came from outside the city of Medan (77.1%).
Source of Maintenance Costs: The majority of maintenance costs were borne by personal funds (71.4%).
Type of Vehicle: The most common type of vehicle involved in accidents was two-wheeled vehicles (77.1%).

Severity and Care Level

Severity of Head Injury: As many as 46.7% of patients suffered mild head injuries.
Surgical Intervention: A total of 75.2% of patients did not require surgery.
Length of Treatment: The average length of treatment in hospitals was 10.31 days.
Time of Discharge: The majority of patients were discharged in the afternoon (12.01-18.00 WIB) and on Wednesday.

Death Statistics

Case Fatality Rate (CFR): The highest CFR was 55.6% in 2015.
Time of Fatal Events: A significant proportion of fatal events occurred at night (18.01-24.00).

Analysis and Recommendations

The results of this study showed a significant relationship between the length of treatment and the medical action given (p = 0,000) and the condition when the patient returned (p = 0,000). This emphasizes the importance of appropriate medical intervention and the patient's condition when returning from the hospital to reduce the risk of continued injury or complications.

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increased Awareness: The police should increase awareness through counseling in schools and campuses regarding traffic regulations, particularly the use of appropriate helmets and compliance with driving safety rules.
Accurate Recording: Hospitals must ensure accurate recording in medical records regarding the causes of accidents, locations, and types of accidents for better data analysis in the future.
Community Awareness: The community is expected to be more careful when driving vehicles, especially for motorcycle riders, by always using helmets that meet safety standards.

By paying attention to these factors, it is expected that the number of traffic accidents, especially those that cause head injuries, can be reduced, and the safety on the highway can be increased.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the characteristics of patients with head injuries due to traffic accidents at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in 2014-2015. The findings of this study highlight the importance of appropriate medical intervention and the patient's condition when returning from the hospital to reduce the risk of continued injury or complications. By increasing awareness and promoting safe driving practices, it is possible to reduce the number of traffic accidents and improve road safety.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample Size: The sample size of this study was relatively small (n = 105).
Data Collection: The data were collected from a single hospital, which may not be representative of the broader population.
Data Analysis: The data were analyzed using a limited number of statistical tests.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Increase Sample Size: Increase the sample size to provide more robust and generalizable findings.
Improve Data Collection: Collect data from multiple hospitals and sources to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Use Advanced Statistical Analysis: Use advanced statistical analysis techniques to provide a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between variables.

By addressing these limitations and expanding the scope of the study, future research can provide more accurate and comprehensive insights into the characteristics of patients with head injuries due to traffic accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Head Injuries due to Traffic Accidents

Q: What are the most common causes of head injuries due to traffic accidents?

A: The most common causes of head injuries due to traffic accidents are:

Speeding: Excessive speed is a major contributor to head injuries due to traffic accidents.
Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, including the use of mobile phones while driving, is a significant risk factor for head injuries.
Failure to Wear Helmets: Failure to wear helmets, particularly for motorcycle riders, is a major contributor to head injuries.

Q: What are the symptoms of head injuries due to traffic accidents?

A: The symptoms of head injuries due to traffic accidents can include:

Headache: A headache is a common symptom of head injuries due to traffic accidents.
Dizziness: Dizziness or loss of balance can occur due to head injuries.
Confusion: Confusion or disorientation can occur due to head injuries.
Seizures: Seizures can occur due to head injuries, particularly if the injury is severe.

Q: What are the treatment options for head injuries due to traffic accidents?

A: The treatment options for head injuries due to traffic accidents can include:

Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissue or to relieve pressure on the brain.
Medications: Medications, such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation, including physical therapy and occupational therapy, may be necessary to help patients recover from head injuries.

Q: How can I reduce my risk of head injuries due to traffic accidents?

A: To reduce your risk of head injuries due to traffic accidents, you can:

Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle.
Buckle Up: Always buckle up when riding in a vehicle.
Avoid Distractions: Avoid distractions while driving, including the use of mobile phones.
Follow Traffic Laws: Follow traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits.

Q: What are the long-term effects of head injuries due to traffic accidents?

A: The long-term effects of head injuries due to traffic accidents can include:

Cognitive Impairment: Cognitive impairment, including memory loss and difficulty with concentration, can occur due to head injuries.
Emotional Disturbances: Emotional disturbances, including anxiety and depression, can occur due to head injuries.
Physical Disability: Physical disability, including paralysis and loss of motor function, can occur due to head injuries.

Q: How can I support a loved one who has suffered a head injury due to a traffic accident?

A: To support a loved one who has suffered a head injury due to a traffic accident, you can:

Be Patient: Be patient and understanding, as recovery from head injuries can take time.
Encourage Rehabilitation: Encourage rehabilitation, including physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Provide Emotional Support: Provide emotional support, including listening and offering words of encouragement.
Help with Daily Tasks: Help with daily tasks, including cooking and cleaning.

Q: What are the economic costs of head injuries due to traffic accidents?

A: The economic costs of head injuries due to traffic accidents can include:

Medical Costs: Medical costs, including hospitalization and rehabilitation, can be significant.
Lost Productivity: Lost productivity, including lost wages and lost opportunities, can be significant.
Economic Burden: The economic burden of head injuries due to traffic accidents can be substantial, affecting not only individuals but also families and communities.

Q: How can I get involved in preventing head injuries due to traffic accidents?

A: To get involved in preventing head injuries due to traffic accidents, you can:

Support Road Safety Initiatives: Support road safety initiatives, including campaigns to promote helmet use and reduce speeding.
Volunteer: Volunteer with organizations that work to prevent head injuries due to traffic accidents.
Advocate: Advocate for policies and laws that promote road safety and reduce the risk of head injuries.
Educate: Educate yourself and others about the risks of head injuries due to traffic accidents and the importance of prevention.