Cost of treatment for motorcycle-related injuries

Context: Road traffic accidents have become frequent in Kinshasa since 2008, following the emergence of the motorcycle cab (WEWA) phenomenon. They constitute a serious national public health problem. Material and Methods: During an analytical cross-sectional study in the surgical departments of hospitals in the city of Kinshasa in 2017, we took a non-probabilistic quota sample of 120 units from the 15 accident patients present in eight hospital institutions in Kinshasa. Results: RTA victims were motorcyclists, passengers and pedestrians. The median direct cost was $1613.80. This cost varied according to the type of associated complications. In comparison, the median indirect cost was $238.88. It also varies according to the associated complications. Finally, the median total cost is $1842.53, which also varies according to the type of associated complications. Conclusion: The cost of motorcycle accidents is unaffordable for most Kinshasa families living below the poverty line. A state subsidy to public hospitals would help to provide better care for accident victims.

Autorentext

BESSA TEMOLAGA Anicet, son of BESSA SIMISI and PELE KONGELEMA, born in Kinshasa on 17/04/1969, Doctor of Medicine in 2003, Master of Public Health in Health Economics in 2018; civil society actor in the health sector. Christian Kimbanguist, civil servant in the Secretariat of the Ministry of Health. Married with four children.