Determinants of motorcycle-related head injuries among children and youth: an unmatched case-control study in northern Ghana.

BACKGROUND

Motorcycles are a major source of road traffic injuries, with a preponderance of head injuries (HIs), especially among children and young adults. The reported prevalence of HI among children and young adults ranges between 17% and 67%. This study examined the determinants of motorcycle-related HIs among children and youth in northern Ghana.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted among children and youth (ages: 1-24 years) with motorcycle injuries seen at a tertiary hospital in northern Ghana. A case was defined as Glasgow Coma Scale<14 and/or head Abbreviated Injury Score>1, while controls were patients with no HI. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, crash and road characteristics data. The determinants of HI were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis at p<0.05.

RESULTS

The proportion of survivors with HI was 52.0%, which was higher in children (<15 years, 57.4%) than in youth (15-24 years, 48.85%). The rate of helmet use was low (24%) and significantly lower in children (17.82%) compared with youth (27.59%). There was an increased odds of HI for non-helmet use among youth (adjusted OR=5.73, 95% CI 2.47 to 13.31) and in the combined group (OR=9.49, 95% CI 4.34 to 20.76).

CONCLUSION

Lack of helmet use was the only significant risk factor for HI among youth and the combined group in this study. Motorcycle safety efforts in the study area should emphasise helmet promotion. Injury prevention strategies should enhance riders' education and enforce road safety regulations, especially on helmet use.