Acidentes de trânsito e epidemiologia do trauma de face: estudo comparativo

Abstract

Epidemiologica studies on facial trauma are critica for planning and management of a health service. Maintain a database of reliable data assists in making decisions about the modalities of treatments that wi/1 be offered and the establishment of prevention campaigns. Comparative studies allow us to analyze the changing profile of patients, and can implement appropriate measures, in addition to observing the reflection of certain social, cultural and legislative changes. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of patients with facial trauma treated at a pub/ic hospital in Belo Horizonte-MG, with an emphasis on means of transportation accidents and making a comparative analysis o f two periods. A retrospective survey o f 2920 patients was conducted in the period from January to December of 1998 and from January to December of 2012. Among the etiologic factors, facial trauma related to traffic accidents were absorbed. The results revealed the increased involvement of men in both periods, the most affected age group was between 7 and 21 years and bicycle accidents were more prevalent in a general analysis. In addition, there was a decrease in traffic accidents as an etiologic factor anda higher share of physical aggression as a mechanism of injury. In 1998, traffic accidents (23.3%) were more frequent than violence (19.3%) and in 2012 the interpersonal violence (15.2%) surpassed traffic accidents (14%). Thus, it is concluded that there is a tendency of the changing profile of victims of facial trauma patients, regarding its etiology. Traffic accidents are sti/1 causing major facial injuries, but urban violence appears as an increasingly prevalent etiologic factor. Furthermore, it is emphasized that comparative epidemiologica studies are very valid to develop a strategic plan and evaluate the outcome of certa in social changes and public management.