Study of Traumatic Brain Injury death during COVID-19 Pandemic in Ulaanbaatar

Abstract

Introduction: For the last years, accidents and trauma are ranking third in the cause of Mongolian population’s death.The emergence of COVID 19 pandemic influenced the evolution of governmental and quarantine worldwide, which might eventually impact many aspects. Objective: Evaluating the head injurydeath during the COVID-19 pandemic era compared with similar period in previous year. Material and Methods: Retrospective study comparing TBI death during COVID-19 pandemic era starting from the declaration of pandemic and quarantine date (Nov 11, 2019) until April 30, 2021 with the comparison of the same period in the previous year.This study was performed forensic medicine and research department of national institute of forensic science. Results: There was a decrease in admission rate due to TBI during COVID-19 pandemic compared with the previous year (135 (54.9%) vs 111(45.1%)). Male was higher in percentage to experience the injury (109/135 (80.7%) vs 87/111 (78.4%)). During the pandemic era, fall from a height (24/135 (17.8%) vs 31/111 (27.9%), p=0.242) increased albeit statistically insignificant. But other causes decreased for example trafÏc injury (46/135 (34.1%) vs 35/111 (31.5%), accidental (15/135 (11.1%) vs 10/111 (9%) and blunt trauma injury (50/135 (37%) vs 35/111 (31.5%). Conclusion: Most death of head injury are labour-force age male of age group of 26–55 years. Head injury cases decreased during COVID19 pandemic with most common mode of injury being fall from a height and suicidal attempt which may be due to economical and psychological imbalance during COVID-19 pandemic, maybe due to loss of job and domestic violence.