Fatal Injuries and Violent Deaths in Nairobi: A Statistical Overview of Mechanisms and Causes

Abstract

Background: Violent deaths, including those resulting from accidents, homicides, and suicides, represent a significant public health issue worldwide. In Nairobi, Kenya, these deaths contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality.
Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence and mechanisms of violent deaths in Nairobi, focusing on accidents, homicides, and suicides..
Methods: A descriptive prospective study conducted at the City Mortuary in Nairobi from June 1, 2009, to May 31, 2010, involved 2,566 autopsies, with 2,278 (88.8%) attributed to violent causes. Data were categorized into accidents, homicides, and suicides,
Results: Accidents were the leading cause of violent death, with a prevalence rate of 28.8 per 100,000 populations, primarily driven by Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) (25.1 per 100,000). Homicides accounted for 43.5% of all violent deaths, with gunshot wounds (12.8 per 100,000) and blunt force injuries (12.3 per 100,000) as the dominant mechanisms. Suicide, while less common (9.8%), had a prevalence rate of 5.4 per 100,000, with hanging being the most frequent method (4.8 per 100,000). Chi-square and ANOVA analyses confirmed significant differences in the distribution of mechanisms within each category of violent death.
Conclusion: Accidents and homicides are the leading causes of violent deaths in Nairobi, with road traffic accidents, gunshot wounds, and blunt force injuries being most common. Addressing road safety, enhancing law enforcement, and providing mental health support are urgent. Suicide prevention should specifically target the high prevalence of hanging as a method.
Recommendations: Reducing violent deaths in Nairobi requires a multi-faceted approach: improve road safety through better infrastructure and enforcement, enhance homicide prevention with stricter firearm control and community policing, expand mental health services for suicide prevention, and develop data-driven policies. Collaboration between government, public health, and law enforcement is crucial.