Research Article
Outcomes and Associated Factors of Traumatic Brain Injury Among Adult Patients Treated in Buea Health District (BHD), Cameroon
Nnoko Sona Akwo*
,
David Oben Bate,
Esembieng Esua Fomanka,
Enow Nkah Bruno Enow,
Ntungwe Ekwelle Smith,
Oben Joan Ayuk,
Yoah Aldof Tah,
Kingsley Enow Nkongho,
Maxwell Kofi Danso,
Isaac Obeng Gyasi,
Emeh Nathan Agbor
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
221-233
Received:
25 May 2026
Accepted:
8 June 2026
Published:
8 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20261103.11
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Abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with limited data on outcomes in Cameroon. This prospective observational study evaluated outcomes and associated factors of TBI among adult patients treated in Buea Health District (BHD), Cameroon, from January 2020 to December 2025. A total of adult patients diagnosed with TBI were included. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical severity (Glasgow Coma Scale scores), injury mechanisms, treatment pathways, and outcomes were collected using structured questionnaires and medical records. The primary outcome was functional status at discharge assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), dichotomised into favourable (GOS 4–5) and unfavourable (GOS 1–3) outcomes. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors. Results showed that 74% of patients achieved favourable outcomes, with road traffic injuries (60%) being the leading cause, followed by falls (23%) and assaults (10%). Most patients were young adult males (78%), consistent with global patterns. Clinical severity indicators were strongly predictive of outcomes: patients with GCS scores 13–15 had overwhelmingly favourable outcomes (79%), while those with GCS < 8 had predominantly unfavourable outcomes (χ2 = 93.605, p < 0.001). Duration of unconsciousness >24 hours and post-traumatic amnesia were significant negative predictors (p < 0.001). Socio-demographic variables showed no significant associations with outcomes. Quality of life assessments revealed 76.5% were discharged successfully, though 23.5% experienced residual complaints, including seizures (10.5%), memory loss (4.5%), and paralysis (2%). These findings highlight that TBI in BHD predominantly affects young adult males through preventable mechanisms. Clinical severity remains the most critical outcome predictor, underscoring the need for improved pre-hospital care, timely presentation, and neurosurgical capacity to reduce the burden of TBI in Cameroon.
Abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with limited data on outcomes in Cameroon. This prospective observational study evaluated outcomes and associated factors of TBI among adult patients treated in Buea Health District (BHD), Cameroon, from January 2020 to December 2025. A total of adu...
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