Assessment of extremity bone fractures and associated factors among adult patients in debre markos referral hospital, east gojjam zone, northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of extremity bone fracture can be attributed to modernization, industrialization and increased rate of bone fracture in the society. The occurrences of extremity bone fractures are very common worldwide. Extremity bone fracture is the leading cause of functional disability and death in different age groups in both sex. It may result from road traffic accidents, falls, gunshot, machines, attacks as well as sports. Fracture statistics in Ethiopia provides little knowledge about its prevalence and associated factors needed for prevention. The present study, therefore, aims to determine extremity bone fracture and associated factors in Debre Markos referral Hospital. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess extremity bone fractures and associated factors among adult patients, in Debre Markos referral Hospital. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study design was applied among adult patients with extremity bone fractures who were attended surgical ward and orthopedic Emergency department during the study period. Patients who have extremity bone fracture diagnosed by the physician, their age 18+ years and voluntary to participate was included in this study. Patients’ age less than 18 years and critical ill patients excluded in this study. Consecutive sampling technique was used based on the availability Patients, who have extremity bone fractures, coming to the hospital during the study period April 21,2018 to June 21,2018. Result: A total of 144 adult patients who had extremity bone fractures and attended in Debre Markos Referral Hospital from April to June, 2018 were our study subjects. Ninety-two (63.9%) were males and 52(36.1%) were females and their age range from 26 to 77 years (mean age = 52.19 and SD = 10.90). About 77.8% and 56.8% of extremity bone fracture occurred in age group 40 – 50 years and above 72 years in male and female respectively. The chance of exposure to bone fracture was increased in patients who drink alcohol and fighting with people by the factor of 3.91 (AOR [95% CI] 3.91(1.47, 10.38) as compared to those who do not drink alcohol and not fight. Conclusion and Recommendation: Extremity bone fractures are high in distribution caused by RTA, so that appropriate prevention strategies should be designed and implemented against extremity fractures.