Predictors of hospitalization and surgical intervention among patients with motorcycle injuries

BACKGROUND: To describe the distribution of injuries, hospitalization rates by body areas injured, and surgery-requiring admissions, and to identify independent predictors of admission to a regional hospital in Jamaica. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among persons presenting to the St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital in Jamaica (2016–2018) with injuries sustained from motorcycle crashes. A census was done of patients admitted to the surgery ward from the emergency room, as well as those referred to the Orthopaedic Outpatient Department. Trained members of the orthopedic team administered a pretested questionnaire within 24 hours of presenting to the orthopedic service to elicit data on sociodemographic characteristics, motor vehicle collision circumstance and motor bike specifications, physical injuries sustained and medical management, as well as compliance with legal requirements for riding a motorcycle. Associations between variables were examined using χ(2) tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 155 participants in the study, and 75.3% of motorcyclists with injuries required admission. The average length of stay was approximately 10 days. Surgery was required for 71.6% of those admitted. Lower limb injuries constituted 55% of all injuries. The independent predictors for admission were alcohol use and total body areas involved. Motorcycle crash victims who used alcohol close to the time of crash were three times more likely to be admitted to hospital than those who did not consume alcohol. As the total body areas involved increased by one, there was a threefold increase in the likelihood of being admitted. Additionally, the greater the number of body areas involved, the greater was the likelihood of admission. DISCUSSION: Lower limb injuries are the most commonly reported injuries among victims of motorcycle crashes. Alcohol and total body areas involved are independent predictors of admission to hospital. In the planning of trauma delivery services, this information should be taken into account. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.