Epidemiology and emergency management of firearm injuries presenting to Tertiary Care Hospital.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the demographic, clinical, and management characteristics of firearm injuries to inform prevention strategies and optimize trauma care. Study Design: Retrospective Cross-sectional study. Setting: Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Period: 15/4/2021 to 25/12/2021. Methods: including 147 patients with firearm injuries admitted. Data on demographics, injury characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes were collected from medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with associations assessed through Chi-square tests. Results: The study population had a mean age of 35.2 ± 12.4 years, with 80% being male. Assault was the leading cause of injury, accounting for 62.5% of cases in males and 33.3% in females. Accidental injuries were more common in females (50%) compared to males (25%). Head and neck injuries were most prevalent, observed in 50% of females and 37.5% of males. Surgical intervention was required in 60% of cases, while 40% were managed conservatively. Significant associations were found between gender and anatomical location (p=0.02), as well as between age and cause of injury (p=0.02). Conclusion: Firearm injuries predominantly affect young males, with distinct gender- and age-based patterns. Males experienced a higher proportion of assault-related injuries, while females had more accidental injuries, emphasizing the need for gender-specific prevention strategies, including firearm safety education and community-based violence prevention programs. Younger individuals were disproportionately affected by head and neck injuries and assault-related incidents, underscoring the importance of age-specific interventions.