Interpersonal Violence related injury at St Luke Hospital, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Background: Injuries and violence posses a major public health and development problem worldwide. The problem is recognized in Ethiopia but there are limited data that can guide public health action. The aim of our study was to investigate patterns of interpersonal violence related intentional injury. Methods: This is a one year prospective study of intentional injuries as a result of interpersonal conflict handled at St. Luke Catholic Hospital between Jan 1st and Dec 31st 2009. Results: A total of 386 new cases were analysed. The great majority of the victims were male (91%) and the age group of 21-30 were the most vulnerable (38%). Most were farmers (75%) who live in rural area (92%) and responsible for the family (76%). The three quarters of the injuries were occurred either on the road or at home. The principal motive of the conflict was land dispute (32%), their relation being either neighbour (56%) or family members (14%). In half of the incidents, at least one of the person involved in fighting were drunken. Blunt trauma accounted for 86%, usually resulted in fracture (67%). Hundred twenty seven were admitted and six died. Conclusion: Interpersonal violence related injury is a common problem of our rural population which affect the individual, family and the country. Possible intervention methods will be discussed.