B I Akhiwu1, H H Suleiman2, M Muktar2, I O Amole3. 1. Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Department , Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria. 2. Department of Economics. Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. 3. Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Department , Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Upward trend in facial injuries following road traffic crashes has been attributed to increasing urbanization and industrialization. AIM: This study was conducted to determine the cost of illness for mandibular fractures and its socioeconomic implications. METHODOLOGY: All the consecutive patients with mandibular fractures following road traffic crashes that presented to the Aminu Kano Teaching hospital in Kano State were recruited over one year. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were managed during the study period with 58% in the age range 21-30 years with mean of 27.9 ± 8.1 years, motorcycle-related road traffic crashes constituted the commonest aetiology. The cost of illness for mandibular fractures was N89, 312.20 ($488) per person. Cost of managing mandibular fractures was equivalent to 8.4% of the health care budget of the state and also equivalent to 15.2 % of the GDP per capita of the year of study surpassing the cost of illness for hypertension and diabetes. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need for policies that would ensure safe driving, enforce the use of safety gadgets, protocols for efficient fracture management and reduced hospital stay.
BACKGROUND: The Upward trend in facial injuries following road traffic crashes has been attributed to increasing urbanization and industrialization. AIM: This study was conducted to determine the cost of illness for mandibular fractures and its socioeconomic implications. METHODOLOGY: All the consecutive patients with mandibular fractures following road traffic crashes that presented to the Aminu Kano Teaching hospital in Kano State were recruited over one year. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were managed during the study period with 58% in the age range 21-30 years with mean of 27.9 ± 8.1 years, motorcycle-related road traffic crashes constituted the commonest aetiology. The cost of illness for mandibular fractures was N89, 312.20 ($488) per person. Cost of managing mandibular fractures was equivalent to 8.4% of the health care budget of the state and also equivalent to 15.2 % of the GDP per capita of the year of study surpassing the cost of illness for hypertension and diabetes. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need for policies that would ensure safe driving, enforce the use of safety gadgets, protocols for efficient fracture management and reduced hospital stay.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cost of illness; Drain on economy; Mandibular fractures; Road traffic crashes