Introduction
In Qatar, previous studies have shown that from 8-12 % of all trauma patients test positive for alcohol in tests for BAC, most of these were intentional trauma, i.e., assault or intentional self-harm and traffic-related trauma. There is a marked paucity of epidemiologic data on alcohol use and abuse among trauma patients in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the world.
Objective
To prospectively collect and analyze key epidemiologic data from patient interviews of blood alcohol concentration positive BAC[+] trauma patients at a national trauma center.
Methods
All BAC [+] trauma patients admitted for more than 24 hours to the Hamad Trauma Center, with moderate to severe injuries from 1 November 2022 to 30 September 2023, were interviewed using a standard, open-ended interview, based on globally recognized risk factors for alcohol-related injury, conducted by a trained interviewer.
Results
There were 132 BAC [+] trauma patients during the study period, 88 met inclusion criteria, 64 were approached for interview, 55 were interviewed. 96% were male, with a mean age of 35 years, 50% suffered road traffic injuries, 24% fell, 10% were assaulted, 45% occurred on Fridays and 56% between 2200 to 0400H. The patients with the highest BAC levels were victims of assault or pedestrians. Cyclists and pedestrians suffered the most severe injuries. One-third required an ICU admission and 3% died from their injuries.
Conclusion
The study describes the epidemiology of alcohol-related trauma in Qatar. This education of the public and law enforcement about the most common times, days and mechanism of these injuries can inform focused interventions to reduce these preventable deaths and injury.
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