Musculoskeletal Trauma on a Major Highway in Ghana: A Crossectional Study

Purpose: This study examined the epidemiology of road traffic trauma at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital, Winneba. Method: A cross-sectional design with a mixed-method approach was used to collect data over three months. Primary data were gathered from health professionals, members of the Ghana Private Road and Transport Unit, Motto Transport and Traffic Department, and National Ambulance and Fire Service Departments using both closed- and open-ended questionnaires. Results: The hospital received an average of 54.5% road traffic accidents (RTAs) weekly. Only 22.7% of victims arrived by ambulance; 77.3% were brought by unqualified individuals without paramedic or first aid training. Despite major injuries, recovery rates were 70-80%. It was agreed that driver negligence often caused accidents, suggesting increased police presence, driver-focused education, and periodic training. The driver’s license acquisition process should be stricter. All respondents affirmed the hospital's strategic location for managing numerous cases. Conclusion: The hospital is well-placed to handle many accident cases but needs more resources to enhance its trauma care capabilities. The lack of first aid at accident sites is a significant cause of death, indicating the need for better protective policies. The facility’s recovery rates are promising.