Epidemiological Profile, Clinical Presentations, and Complications of Gunshot Wounds in Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Hospital in the Armed Conflict Zone of Goma in Eastern DR Congo
AI Summary
Predominantly young men, median age 25, 74.4% male, indicating frequent exposure to conflict zones.
Injuries mainly involved lower (44.2%) and upper (42.2%) limbs; open fractures and abdominal wounds (17.8% each) linked to complications.
Hemodynamic instability on admission and admission delays over 8 hours significantly increased complication risk; mean hospital stay 20 ± 16 days, mortality 1.2%.
Public Health Chall. 2026 May 13;5:e70274. doi: 10.1002/puh2.70274. eCollection 2026 Jun.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Gunshot wounds are a major cause of mortality in armed conflict settings. In Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the east of the country, recurring armed violence results in a significant influx of wounded requiring emergency surgical care. This study aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical profile, and complications observed in patients with gunshot wounds.
METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 242 patients admitted between December 2024 and February 2025. Sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and outcome data were analyzed using STATA 14 software. Associations between clinical variables and complications were explored at the significance level p < 0.05.
RESULTS: Patient records 242 were included in this study. The victims were predominantly male (74.4%) and young adults with a median age of 25 (range 18-34) years. Injuries mainly affected the lower (44.2%) and upper (42.2%) limbs. Open fractures (17.8%) and abdominal injuries (17.8%) were the injuries most frequently associated with complications. Hemodynamic instability on admission (44.1% of complicated cases) and an admission delay exceeding 8 h (53% of complicated cases) significantly increased the risk of complications. The mean length of hospital stay was 20 ± 16 days, and the overall mortality rate was 1.2%.
CONCLUSION: Gunshot wounds in the city of Goma primarily affect young, active men who are frequently exposed to conflict zones. Complications are linked to initial instability, delays in admission, and the severity of the injuries. Strengthening the prehospital care system and surgical capacity remains essential to reducing mortality.
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