Frequency of Alcohol Use Among Injured Adult Patients Presenting to a Ghanaian Emergency Department.

ABSTRACT:

Study objective

Injuries are the cause of almost 6 million deaths annually worldwide, with 15% to 20% alcohol associated. The frequency of alcohol-associated injury varies among countries and is unknown in Ghana. We determined the frequency of positive alcohol test results among injured adults in a Ghanaian emergency department (ED).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional chart review of consecutive injured patients aged 18 years or older presenting to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital ED for care within 8 hours of injury. Patients were tested for presence of alcohol with a breathalyzer or a saliva alcohol test. Patients were excluded if they had minor injuries resulting in referral to a separate outpatient clinic, or death before admission. Alcohol test results, subject, and in

SUBMITTER: Forson PK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5036991 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature