Gunshot Injuries in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: The University Teaching Hospitals’ Experience

Background: Gunshot injuries constitute significant contributor to morbidity and mortality of the healthcare in most societies. The global burden of gunshot injuries seems to be on the rise with the increase in violent crimes and unrest across the world.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of gunshot injuries seen in the surgery departments of the two Teaching Hospitals in Port Harcourt from January 2010 to January 2019.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was carried out using data obtained from registers for patients who had gunshot injuries from January 2010 to January 2019 in two government-owned tertiary healthcare facilities in Port Harcourt.

Results: A total of 1138 cases of gunshot injuries was recorded within the ten-year study period, with relatively higher number of cases seen during the 2011/2012 (122/116), 2015 (134), and 2019 (138). The age range 20 - 44 years are more involved in these injuries, and abdominal injuries (205 cases) top the record followed by lower limb injuries (132 cases).

Conclusion: Gunshot injury is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality among patients in Port Harcourt, with a total of 1138 cases seen within the ten-year study period. Males were six times affected than females. There is need to equip these reference hospitals for trauma care, and reduce election-related violence in Port Harcourt as this appears to be taking a toll on the citizens.