Health related quality of life and its predictive factors on cervical cancer patients in two teaching hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent and the leading cause of cancer related deaths among Ethiopian women; and about three fourth are diagnosed at advanced stages. Cervical cancer can affect the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in multiple ways. The main aim of this study was to describe the HRQOL of cervical cancer patients and the predictive factors using validated tools. METHODS: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 264 cervical cancer patients using the validated Amharic version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) modules; QLQ-C30 and QLQ CX24. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the raw data. One way ANOVA was used to determine the significance of mean differences between the dependent and independent variables. Binary and multivariable regression analysis were used to measure the association between Global Health Status and independent factors. The level of significance was set at p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: On EORTC QLQ-C30 scales, the mean Global Health Status (GHS) was 42.57 ± 23.31. The least and highest affected functions were physical and social, mean (SD) = 76.39 ± 23.24 and 50.40 ± 32.19, respectively. The financial difficulty was the most affected among the symptom scales, 57.83 ± 35.34. Only physical function and financial difficulty have shown an independent association with GHS, (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05-0.84), (AOR = 0.21 95% CI = 0.07-0.59), respectively. Illiterate, can read and write, were among the predictor factors that showed an independent association with the Global Health Status. Among the EORTC QLQ-CX24 symptom scales, the highest affected score was for sexual worry, mean (SD) = 51.81 + 32.197. CONCLUSIONS: In an effort to improve the Global Health Status of cervical cancer patients in Ethiopia; physical function and financial difficulty should be the priority areas. The Illiterate and those who lack formal education need due attention in order to improve the health-related quality-of-life.

Prevalence and pattern of congenital clubfoot among less than 5-year-old children in Ethiopia; cross-sectional based study.

BACKGROUND: Clubfoot is one of the most common congenital malformations, but it is also one of the most neglected public health problems among less than five-year-old children, mainly in middle- and low-income countries. Approximately 80% of clubfoot cases are found in low- and middle-income countries. In this study setting, no epidemiological studies have been conducted to assess clubfoot deformity. Due to this gap, the study aimed to assess prevalence, and pattern of congenital club foot among less than 5-year-old children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out at Black Lion Specialized Hospital at the pediatric orthopedic clinic. The sample size was 261 to determine the prevalence and pattern of congenital clubfoot. Terms like frequency, percentage, and mean were used for data presentation. RESULT: A total of 36,303 pediatric patients visited Black Lion Specialized Hospital during the study period, and clubfoot prevalence was 7.2 per 1000. The largest subclassification of congenital clubfoot was idiopathic clubfoot, which accounted for 6.2 per 1000, whereas syndromic clubfoot was 0.3 per 1000, and neuropathic clubfoot was shared at 0.36 per 1000. Most of the cases in this study were bilateral clubfoot, with males having more dominance. CONCLUSION: In the area under investigation, a significant prevalence of congenital clubfoot was observed, especially among male children. The majority of cases were bilateral, with idiopathic clubfoot being the dominant form.

Analyses of LULC dynamics in a socio-ecological system of the Bale Mountains Eco Region of Southeast Ethiopia.

Analysis of land use and land cover (LULC) change and its drivers and impacts in the biodiversity hotspot of Bale Mountain's socio-ecological system is crucial for formulating plausible policies and strategies that can enhance sustainable development. The study aimed to analyze spatio-temporal LULC changes and their trends, extents, drives, and impacts over the last 48 years in the Bale Mountain social-ecological system. Landsat imagery data from the years 1973, 1986, 1996, 2014, and 2021 together with qualitative data were used. LULC classification scheme employed a supervised classification method with the application of the maximum likelihood algorithm technique. In the period between 1973 and 2021, agriculture, bare land, and settlement showed areal increment by 153.13%, 295.57%, and 49.03% with the corresponding increased annual rate of 1.93%, 2.86%, and 0.83%, respectively. On the contrary, forest, wood land, bushland, grass land, and water body decreased by 29.97%, 1.36%, 28.16%, 8.63%, and 84.36% during the study period, respectively. During the period, major LULC change dynamics were also observed; the majority of woodland was converted to agriculture (757.8 km2) and grassland (531.3 km2); and forests were converted to other LULC classes, namely woodland (766.5 km2), agriculture (706.1 km2), grassland (34.6 km2), bushland (31.9 km2), settlement (20.5 km2), and bare land (14.3 km2). LULC changes were caused by the expansion of agriculture, settlement, overgrazing, infrastructure development, and fire that were driven by population growth and climate change, and supplemented by inadequate policy and institutional factors. Social and environmental importance and values of land uses and land covers in the study area necessitate further assessment of potential natural resources' user groups and valuation of ecosystem services in the study area. Hence, we suggest the identification of potential natural resource-based user groups, and assessment of the influence of LULC changes on ecosystem services in Bale Mountains Eco Region (BMER) for the sustainable use and managements of land resources.

Surgical management practice of pelvic organ prolapse among Ethiopian gynecologists, 2021: a descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic Organ Prolapse is the descent of one or more of the anterior vaginal wall, posterior vaginal wall, the uterus, or the apex of the vagina. Surgical intervention addresses both anatomical defect and associated symptoms. The landscape of prolapse surgery has been evolving constantly over years. Emerging evidences either support or challenge existing surgical treatment options, making urogynecology a dynamic field. In Ethiopia, the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse has transitioned from abdominal to vaginal hysterectomy, supplemented later by McCall's culdoplasty. Disparities exist in the national uniformity of surgical approaches, linked to the establishment of Urogynecology centers in certain institutions. OBJECTIVES: This study was done to assess the surgical management practice of Ethiopian gynecologists on pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: A cross-sectional study encompassing all Gynecologists in Ethiopia took place between January to June 2021. Information was gathered through online Google forms crafted in English. Subsequently, the collected data underwent verification, coding, and entry into Epi info 7 before being exported to SPSS version 22 software for descriptive statistical analysis. RESULTS: We reached 280 gynecologists out of the 450 practicing in the Ethiopia making 62% response rate. Anterior colporrhaphy (98.6%), vaginal hysterectomy with McCall's cul-do-plasty (51.8%), and Posterior colporrhaphy (97.5%) were the most commonly performed surgical procedures for anterior vaginal wall prolapse, apical prolapse (uterine/cervical), and posterior vaginal wall prolapse respectively. Only 3.2% and 0.7% of the gynecologists conducted abdominal and vaginal paravaginal repair for anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Sacrospinous ligament fixation and sacrocolpopexy for apical prolapse were carried out by 32.9% and 9.3% of the gynecologists respectively. Site-specific posterior repair for posterior vaginal wall prolapse was performed only by 23.9% of the gynecologists. The main reasons mentioned not to perform paravaginal repair, sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous ligament fixation, and site-specific posterior repair were lack of skill and lack of appropriate materials. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Most gynecologists in Ethiopian continue to perform vaginal hysterectomy and colporrhaphy procedures for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse due primarily to lack of skill and appropriate materials to perform the alternative procedures. Implementing short term training on alternative surgical treatment options of pelvic organ prolapse with provision of suitable materials and increasing the number of urogynecologists in the country in the long run holds the potential to enhance the standard of care of women with the condition.

Complete childhood vaccination and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in Dabat demographic and health survey site, Ethiopia, 2022.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health strategies to prevent children's mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases, but the Covid-19 pandemic and associated disruptions have strained health systems, and worldwide 25 million children missing out on vaccination in 2021. Of the 25 million, more than 60% of these children live in 10 countries including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess complete childhood vaccination coverage and associated factors in the Dabat district. METHOD: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 10/2020 to January 10/2021Gregorian Calendar. The data for this study was extracted from information collected for the assessment of maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health and health services utilization in the Dabat demographic and health survey site. Vaccine-related data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to identify the presence and the direction of the association. RESULTS: Based on vaccination cards and mothers/caretakers' recall 30.9% (95%CI: 27.9-34.1%) of children aged 12-23 months in the Dabat district were completely immunized. Urban residency [AOR 1.813, 95% CI: (1.143, 2.878)], delivered in the health facility [AOR = 5.925, 95% CI: (3.680, 9.540)], ANC follow-up during their pregnancy [AOR 2.023, 95% CI: (1.352, 3.027)], rich wealth index [AOR = 2.392, 95% CI: (1.296, 4.415)], and parity [AOR 2.737, 95% CI: (1.664, 4.500)] were significantly associated with complete child vaccination. RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION: Complete vaccination coverage among children aged 12-23 months in the Dabat district was lower than the Global vaccine plan and Ethiopian ministry of health goal in 2020. Therefore, Health care providers and other stakeholders should mobilize the community to improve mothers' health-seeking behavior toward pregnancy follow-up and health facility delivery to improve childhood vaccination. Besides, expanding the service to remote areas are necessary to increase the immunization access.

Magnitude of unmet need for family planning and associated factors among women in the extended postpartum period in Dabat district, Northwest Ethiopia. evidence from Dabat demographic health surveys.

BACKGROUND: Due to additional roles and emotional changes that occur during postpartum period, women use contraceptives differs from other times in their life. However, there is limited information about the unmet need for family planning (FP) among women in the extended postpartum period in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess magnitude of unmet need for family planning and associated factors among women in the extended postpartum period in Dabat district, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was performed using the Dabat Demographic and Health Survey 2021. A total sample of 634 women during the extended postpartum period was included in this study. Stata version 14 statistical software was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were described using frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Multicollinearity was tested using the variance inflation factor (VIF) and we computed Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the association between independent variables and outcome variable. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value ≤ 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The overall unmet need for FP during the extended postpartum women was 42.43% (95% CI: 38.62, 46.33), of which 33.44% was unmet need for spacing. Place of residence (AOR = 2.63, 95%CI: 1.61, 4.33), place of delivery (AOR = 2.09, 95%CI: 1.35, 3.24), and availability of radio and or TV (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.13) were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of unmet need for family planning among women during the extended postpartum period in the study area was high when compared to the national average and the United Nations sphere standard of unmet need for family planning. Place of residence, place of delivery, and availability of radio and or TV were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning. Hence, the concerned bodies are recommended to promote intuitional delivery and give spatial attention to those who are residing in rural areas and to those who have had no media exposure in order to reduce the unmet need for family planning among postpartum women.

Inadequate receipt of ANC components and associated factors among pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia, 2020-2021: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Women's health and pregnancy outcomes are directly depends on the extent of ANC components received during their ANC visits. There are limited information about the components of ANC and associated factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of inadequate recipient of ANC components and associated factors in northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: This is a community based cross sectional survey conducted in Dabat Demographic and health survey from December 10/2020 to January 10/2021 among women who gave birth within two years before the survey. This study applied a census method to identify and select eligible pregnant women. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis purpose. Adjusted Odds Ratio at 95% confidence interval was used to show the association between dependent and independent variables. Statistical significance was declared at a P value less than 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 871 pregnant women were identified from the survey and included in this study. Overall, 96.67% (95% CI: 95.24, 97.67) had not get adequate (all components) ANC. The components of ANC services were increased from 3.35 to 32.34%, 2.52 to 46.33% 1.96 to 55.8%, 2.31 to 46.53%, 3.54 to 55.75%, 2.46 to 44.62%, 1.18 to 45.96%, and 2.45 to 54.6% for tetanus toxoid Vaccine, HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, danger sign, place of delivery, deworming, iron folic acid, family planning, and breast feeding counseling, from first ANC visit to fourth ANC visit, respectively. Rural residence (AOR = 4.89, 95% CI: 1.21, 19.86), and less than four number of ANC visit (AOR = 5.15, 95% CI: 2.06, 12.86) were significantly associated with inadequate uptake of ANC components. CONCLUSION: Only three in hundred pregnant women were received adequate ANC components in the study area. Rural residence and less than four number of ANC visit were factors significantly associated with inadequate ANC uptake. Therefore, the district health department managers and program implementers need to train the health care providers about the components of ANC. As well, increasing community and facility awareness of WHO recommendations on ANC visits focusing on rural women is needed.

Health related quality of life of gynaecologic cancer patients attending at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Being diagnosed with gynaecologic malignancy certainly will have different sequelae which can hamper quality of life (QOL).This study aimed to assess health related quality of life (HRQOL) among gynaecologic cancer patients attending at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: This study employed facility-based cross-sectional study design on 153 gynaecological cancer patients attending TASH using the Amharic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). We used descriptive statistics, independent t test and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean Global Health Status (GHS) was 40.95(SD ± 24.35) and of the functional scores, social function was most affected (42.26, SD ± 32.08), whereas cognitive function is the least affected domain (mean = 88.21, SD ± 18.49). The highest score on the symptom scores was found to be financial difficulties (mean = 64.76, SD ± 32.43) followed by pain (mean = 55.12, SD ± 29.64) and fatigue (mean = 53.97, SD ± 28.54); the lowest score on the contrary was scored for diarrhea (mean = 1.19, SD ± 7.38). As stage increases there was a statistically significant reduction in GHS (p = 0.005) and in all functional score domains except the physical and emotional function. Advancement in stage of the disease has also affected significantly the symptom score domains except financial difficulties, nausea /vomiting and diarrhea. Patients who never went to school have scored a statistically significant lower score in GHS, physical function, role function and social function (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: GHS, social function, financial difficulties, pain and fatigue were the most affected domains; however, cognitive function and diarrhea were less affected components of HRQOL of gynaecologic cancer patients. Place of residence, educational status, marital status, payment type, cancer type and stage of the disease were associated with different quality of life scores.

The development of a training course for clubfoot treatment in Africa: learning points for course development.

BACKGROUND: Clubfoot is a common congenital musculoskeletal disorder that causes mobility impairment. There is a lack of trained mid-level personnel to provide clubfoot treatment in Africa and there is no standard training course. This prospective study describes the collaborative and participatory approach to the development of a training course for the treatment of clubfoot in children in resource constrained settings. METHODS: We used a systems approach to evaluate the development of the training course. Inputs: The research strategy included a review of context and available training materials, and the collection of data on current training practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven expert clubfoot trainers. A survey of 32 international and regional trainers was undertaken to inform practical issues. The data were used to develop a framework for training with advice from two technical groups, consisting of regional and international stakeholders and experts. PROCESS: A consensus approach was undertaken during workshops, meetings and the sharing of documents. The design process for the training materials took twenty-four months and was iterative. The training materials were piloted nine times between September 2015 and February 2017. Processes and materials were reviewed and adapted according to feedback after each pilot. RESULTS: Fifty-one regional trainers from Africa (18 countries), 21 international experts (11 countries), 113 local providers of clubfoot treatment (Ethiopia, Rwanda and Kenya) and local organising teams were involved in developing the curriculum and pilot testing. The diversity of the two technical advisory groups allowed a wide range of contributions to the collaboration. Output: The resulting curriculum and content comprised a two day basic training and a two day advanced course. The basic course utilised adult learning techniques for training novice providers in the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot in children under two years old. The advanced course builds on these principles. CONCLUSION: Formative research that included mixed methods (both qualitative and quantitative) was important in the development of an appropriate training course. The process documentation from this study provides useful information to assist planning of medical training programmes and may serve as a model for the development of other courses.

Good results after Ponseti treatment for neglected congenital clubfoot in Ethiopia. A prospective study of 22 children (32 feet) from 2 to 10 years of age.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neglected clubfoot deformity is a major cause of disability in low-income countries. Most children with clubfoot have little access to treatment in these countries, and they are often inadequately treated. We evaluated the effectiveness of Ponseti's technique in neglected clubfoot in children in a rural setting in Ethiopia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from June 2007 through July 2010. 22 consecutive children aged 2-10 years (32 feet) with neglected clubfoot were treated by the Ponseti method. The deformity was assessed using the Pirani scoring system. The average follow-up time was 3 years. RESULTS: A plantigrade functional foot was obtained in all patients by Ponseti casting and limited surgical intervention. 2 patients (4 feet) had recurrent deformity. They required re-manipulation and re-tenotomy of the Achilles tendon and 1 other patient required tibialis anterior transfer for dynamic supination deformity of the foot. INTERPRETATION: This study shows that the Ponseti method with some additional surgery can be used successfully as the primary treatment in neglected clubfoot, and that it minimizes the need for extensive corrective surgery.

Surviving Fetus from a Full Term Abdominal Pregnancy.

Background: Abdominal pregnancy refers to a rare form of ectopic pregnancy that has been implanted in the peritoneal cavity. Clinical suspicion combined with ultrasound is important for early diagnosis. A surviving fetus from an abdominal pregnancy is extremely rare. Case Presentation: Herein we report on a case of advanced abdominal pregnancy in a Gravida-III Abortion-II mother who presented with worsening abdominal pain of 1 week duration associated with fetal movement and managed successfully with an outcome of a live neonate and no maternal complication. Conclusion: A live neonate from term abdominal pregnancy is a rare occurrence. Early diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy is crucial to avoid potentially catastrophic maternal complications even though our patient, fortunately, has a smooth postoperative course. A high level of suspicion combined with ultrasound is helpful in reaching a diagnosis. Skill advancement for radiologists and non-radiology professionals involved in obstetric ultrasound is recommended to avoid misdiagnosis, as in our case. Careful post-operative evaluation is important to look for maternal and fetal complications.

Factors affecting birth interval among mothers in Dabat district, Amhara Regional state, Northwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study, 2022.

Introduction: Birth interval is the time period from live birth to a successive pregnancy or successive live birth which is the recommended to be at least 2 years or at least 33 months respectively. Both short and long birth intervals are associated with poor health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the length of birth intervals and its predictors among reproductive-age women in Dabat district.Methods: community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from December 10/2020 to January 10/2021. This study was done on 1262 multi para women. Five days training was given for the data collectors and supervisors. Bivariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis were done. Those variables which had P-value less than 0.25 in the bi variable analysis were entered to multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and P-value less than 0.05 was used to determine significant determinants of birth interval. Result: This study revealed that the magnitude of short and long birth interval was 30.59% and 22.82% respectively. Wealth status (poor: AOR = 0.72, CI: 0.53, 0.97), maternal education (Diploma and above: AOR = 2.79, CI: 1.18, 6.56), ANC follow up (having ante natal care: AOR = 2.15, CI: 1.72, 2.69), husband occupation (Employed: AOR = 1.77, CI: 1.03, 3.01) and history of abortion (abortion: AOR = 2.48, CI: 1.08, 5.66) were statistically significant factors. Conclusion: Higher percentage of mothers have either short or long birth interval. Birth interval is affected by socio demographic characteristics of mothers and husbands.

Reliability and Validity of Amharic Version of EORTC QLQ-C 30 Questionnaire among Gynecological Cancer Patients in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a growing public health problem worldwide. The focus of cancer treatment, in addition to curation, is improving the quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of Amharic version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) among gynecological cancer patients in Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the Amharic version of EORTC QLQ-C30 on 153 gynecological cancer patients in Tikur Anbassa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multivariable linear regression were employed in statistical analysis. RESULTS: The Amharic version of EORTC QLQ-C30 had a Cronbach's α value of 0.81. The internal consistency for each domain of EORTC QLQ-C30 was also acceptable (Cronbach's α >0.7) except for cognitive function domain (Cronbach's α = 0.29). Stepwise multivariable linear regression analysis showed that emotional functioning (p<0.001), fatigue (p<0.001) and social functioning (p = 0.004) were the determinative scales of EORTC QLQ-C30 on global health status (GHS). The clinical validity test (Known group validity) showed that there were significant differences in score for twelve out of 15 domains, between surgery and radiation scheduled patients. All items of emotional function, role function, fatigue, and GHS meet the discriminate validity criterion. CONCLUSION: The Amharic version of EORTC QLQ-C30 found to be reliable and had an acceptable validity to assess the QOL for gynecological cancer patients. We recommend further work on the validity and responsiveness of the EORTC QLQ-C30 with stronger design.

Cost-effectiveness of club-foot treatment in low-income and middle-income countries by the Ponseti method.

BACKGROUND: Club foot is a common congenital deformity affecting 150 000-200 000 children every year. Untreated patients end up walking on the side or back of the affected foot, with severe social and economic consequences. Club foot is highly treatable by the Ponseti method, a non-invasive technique that has been described as highly suitable for use in resource-limited settings. To date, there has been no evaluation of its cost-effectiveness ratio, defined as the cost of averting one disability-adjusted life year (DALY), a composite measure of the impact of premature death and disability. In this study, we aimed to calculate the average cost-effectiveness ratio of the Ponseti method for correcting club foot in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Using data from 12 sub-Saharan African countries provided by the international non-profit organisation CURE Clubfoot, which implements several Ponseti treatment programmes around the world, we estimated the average cost of the point-of-care treatment for club foot in these countries. We divided the cost of treatment with the average number of DALYs that can be averted by the Ponseti treatment, assuming treatment is successful in 90% of patients. RESULTS: We found the average cost of the Ponseti treatment to be US$167 per patient. The average number of DALYs averted was 7.42, yielding a cost-effectiveness ratio of US$22.46 per DALY averted. To test the robustness of our calculation different variables were used and these yielded a cost range of US$5.28-29.75. This is less than a tenth of the cost of many other treatment modalities used in resource-poor settings today. CONCLUSIONS: The Ponseti method for the treatment of club foot is cost-effective and practical in a low-income country setting. These findings could be used to raise the priority for implementing Ponseti treatment in areas where patients are still lacking access to the life-changing intervention.

The 'hit by a stick' disease: an epidemiologic study of the causes of trauma in a non-profit hospital in rural Ethiopia.

Traumatic injuries are one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide and represent a very important public health problem in countries like Ethiopia, where there are insufficient centres of trauma care and where an interest in prevention has only relatively recently been awakened. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of trauma at St Luke Catholic Hospital. We conducted a one-year retrospective study on 2969 patients who suffered from trauma. Every traumatized patient was classified by age, sex, cause and site of the trauma. The admission rate and hospital stays were also analysed. The most common causes of injury were: interpersonal conflict (32.2%); falling (15.1%); and road traffic incidents (RTIs; 14%). Men (71.7%) and young adults (37.6%; range 15-29 years) were the most affected, while head and neck were the most affected sites (33%). Half of the 377 admitted patients stay in hospital for more than a week. The 'hit by a stick' disease can be reduced with appropriate public health campaigns on trauma prevention. This is a priority in trauma prevention, especially in the rural areas.