Patterns of Occupational Injuries Among Patients Presenting at Lahore General Hospital Trauma Center

Abstract

Background: Workplace accidents are a significant public health concern, contributing to substantial mortality and morbidity. The pattern of occupational injuries varies across different demographics and industries, necessitating targeted interventions to improve workplace safety.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the patterns of occupational injuries among patients admitted to Lahore General Hospital's trauma center from April 2022 to October 2022.

Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional analysis, including 78 patients aged 18 and above who were hospitalized due to occupational accidents during the specified period. Ethical approval was obtained from the local ethics committee, ensuring adherence to ethical standards in research. Data were extracted from patient files, evaluation forms, and judicial case reports, providing a comprehensive dataset. Key variables included patient demographics (age and gender), injury mechanism, industry of employment, educational background, social security status, length of working hours, and the timing of the accidents. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) was used to quantify injury severity. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and descriptive statistics, were conducted to identify significant patterns and differences.

Results: Out of 78 patients, 88.95% were male, and 11.60% were female. The average age of male and female patients was 32.9 and 32.8 years, respectively. The most common age group affected was 25-34 years. The majority of injuries occurred in the construction industry (66.85%) and involved cuts (42.54%). Upper extremity injuries were predominant (76.80%), followed by lower extremity injuries (23.20%). The chi-square test indicated no significant gender differences in the distribution of cuts and other injuries (p = 0.89).

Conclusion: The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and educational initiatives targeting high-risk industries and demographic groups, particularly young male workers in the construction sector. Addressing these gaps can significantly reduce occupational injury incidence and severity, alleviating the economic and healthcare burdens associated with workplace accidents.