Epidemiological profile of road traffic accident injuries in the emergency department of the National Hospital of Niamey in 2024

Background: Road traffic accidents are a major public health problem. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of injuries related to road traffic accidents in the Emergency Department of the National Hospital of Niamey in 2024.

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study aimed at analyzing the epidemiological profile of road traffic accident–related injuries in the Emergency Department of the National Hospital of Niamey in 2024. The study population included all patients admitted to the Emergency Department of the National Hospital of Niamey who had sustained trauma following a road traffic accident during the study period.

Results: A total of 312 accident cases were recorded, with a mean age of approximately 30 years; the 15–26 age group was the most represented (47.76%). Most patients (75%) were male, and 46% had a secondary level of education. The study found that negligence was the most frequent cause (54.49%). The most common time period for accidents occurred between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., representing 36% of cases. Motorcyclists were the most commonly involved road users (33.33%). Frontal trauma, hemorrhage, and fractures were the most frequently observed injuries, with rates of 31.65%, 51.00%, and 76.00%, respectively.

Conclusions: Road traffic accidents represent a significant public health issue worldwide, particularly in developing countries.