IMPACT ASSESSMENT: HELMET USE AND REDUCTION OF NEUROTRAUMA IN MOTORCYCLE CRASHES IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

Trauma, particularly neurotrauma encompassing cranio-spinal injuries, constitutes a significant global health burden, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality rates, especially among young males. This abstract synthesizes evidence from various studies highlighting the prevalence and demographics of neurotrauma, underscoring its prominence as a leading cause of death among adults under 45 years of age. A comprehensive review of the literature reveals that a substantial portion of head and spinal injuries occur in individuals under 30 years old, predominantly attributable to Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs). The male predominance in neurotrauma, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1 for head injuries and 4:1 for spinal injuries, underscores the genderspecific risk factors associated with traumatic injuries. Drawing on findings from Adesukanmi et al. (1998), Kemp and Sibert (1997), Solagberu et al. (2003), and other cited sources, this abstract emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions and preventive measures to address the burden of neurotrauma, particularly among young males