Causes, Patterns and Medico Legal Implications of Dental-maxillo Facial Injuries in Child and Adult Female Victims Admitted to Three Selected Hospitals in Galle District: A Pilot Study.
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Causes, Patterns and Medico Legal Implications of Dental-maxillo Facial Injuries in Child and Adult Female Victims Admitted to Three Selected Hospitals in Galle District: A Pilot Study.
De Rajakaruna, D.S.H.Z.; Warushahennadi, J.; De Silva, K.M.; Jayasinghe, M.; Abeygunawardhana, N.; Senadhirathna, M.
Citation:32. De Rajakaruna, D.S.H.Z., Warushahennadi, J., De Silva, K.M., Jayasinghe, M., Abeygunawardhana, N., & Senadhirathna, M. (2024). Causes, Patterns and Medico Legal Implications of Dental-maxillo Facial Injuries in Child and Adult Female Victims Admitted to Three Selected Hospitals in Galle District: A Pilot Study. Proceedings of the 2nd International Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka, 34.
Date:2024-07-05
Abstract:
Background: Oral-maxillary facial injuries (OMFI) constitute a significant component of
multiple body to injuries. The World Health Organization reported that assault or interpersonal
violence traumas caused by road traffic accidents (RTA), falls, and assaults. The face is the most
vulnerable area of the injuries (IPV) are more prevalent in women. Therefore, it is necessary to
identify the medico-legal implications of OMFI.
Objective: To study the causes, patterns and medico-legal implications of OMF injuries in
female victims admitted to three selected hospitals in Galle district
Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted on 150 female victims admitted to three
selected hospitals in Galle district. Convenient sampling method was used and data was collected
using a specially designed, pre-tested questionnaire including questions to assess demographic
details, etiology and injury types. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 28.0.
Results: Out of all participants, 116 (77.3%) were adult females (>18 years) and 34 (22.7%)
were children (<18 years). The commonest injury was the abrasions (38.3%) followed by
lacerations (31.3%) and contusions (16.2%). The commonest anatomical area was on the frontal
region (34.2%) and the least common area for injuries was the lower lip. When the etiology was
concerned RTA was observed in 37.3% followed by accidental falls (30.7%) and a few (1.3%)
were following animal bites. The majority (64%) of OMF injuries were categorized as non
grievous according to the Penal Code of Sri Lanka. There were significant associations on injury
type with age of the victims (p=0.014) and etiology of injury (p=0.007).
Conclusions: This pilot study shows that the commonest cause for OMF injuries was RTA and
the commonest area was the frontal region. Educational programmes should be conducted to
improve the awareness on road safety and rules will be beneficial to reduce incidence of RTA
related OMFI.