Predictors of medical cost and Length of stay of motorcycle injury patients presenting to hospitals in Kisumu City, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Motorcycle crash injuries (MCIs) cause mortality and exert financial cost, globally. However, there is paucity of information on cost and length of stay of motorcycle injuries. Objective: To assess factors influencing medical costs and length of stay (LOS) of motorcycle crash injuries presenting in hospitals in Kisumu city, Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which all 1073 motorcycle injury cases were enrolled over a period of six months. A pre-tested, questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), logistic regression and multivariable regression analysis. P-value < 0.05 considered significant. Results: A total of 1073 motorcycle injury visits were made to the hospitals during the study period of which 46.0% were admitted. The total medical cost for motorcycle injury patients was Kshs. 19, 134,877 (USD 191348.77). The mean LOS was 19.8 days (1-235 days). Injuries requiring surgical intervention, higher injury severity score, and helmet non-use were significantly associated with higher medical cost and length of stay. Conclusion: Motorcycle injuries are a major cause of hospital use and present significant economic burden. Surgical intervention, injury severity and non-helmet use were the major predictors of length of stay and medical costs. Keywords: Motorcycle injuries; length of stay; cost; predictors; severity.