Pattern and initial care of sports injuries among high school rugby players in Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Every year millions of teenagers participate in high school sports. Rugby is a team sport involving contact and collision of players and consequently has a high injury rate. Many studies on injuries in rugby have concentrated on professional players leaving out the high school players. Therefore, this study purposed to establish the different patterns of sports injuries in rugby playing high school students in Eldoret, and the initial care given. Objective: To find out the pattern and initial care of sports injuries among High school rugby players in Eldoret. Methods: The study was conducted in four public secondary schools within Eldoret town, using the prospective descriptive study design for eight months: September 2015 to April 2016. The study population was composed of high school students who participated in rugby. Eldoret town was selected due to its proximity. Only four schools participated in rugby and hence all were included. IREC formally approved the proposal to conduct the study. The study subjects signed informed consent/assent to participate. Census method was used due to the low numbers participating in the sport. Questionnaires used in data collection were validated instruments which were interviewer administered. Physical examination was done for all injured players. Data analysis was done using R: A language and environment for statistical computing version 3.3.1, and presented in diagrams and prose so as to make detailed interpretations. Results: A total of 123 male high school rugby players were recruited into the study: 69 forwards and 54 backs. The average age, weight, height and BMI was 17.6 years, 68.7kgs, 177.2cm and 22.1kg/m2 respectively. Fifty three players (43.1%) were injured, with 47 recording one injury and 6 recording two injuries making a total of 59 injuries. The backs recorded 53% of injuries while the forwards recorded 47% of injuries. The anatomic distribution of injuries was: lower limbs 24(41.7%), upper limb 22(37%), trunk 5(8.5%), and head and neck 14 (13.6%). Thirty two injuries (54%) occurred as a result of contact with another player. The tackle recording 28 injuries (48%) and the scrum recorded 9 injuries (15%). Seventy one percent of the injuries occurred in the second half with the first half recording 29%. Minor and mild injuries constituted 68% of all injuries, while 32% were moderate and severe injuries. All the injured players were given initial care on the field involving use of icepacks, bandaging, topical analgesics, rest and massage by fellow students or coach. Twenty two (37%) of the 59 injuries reported were referred to a health facility with the rest receiving first aid on the field. Increase in weight was associated with increase in risk of injury to the participant p =0.038. Conclusion: The pattern showed that majority of the injuries occurred on the lower limbs mainly on the knee. The initial care was first aid on the field offered by fellow students or coach. Recommendation: In view of the high injury rate; there is need for continuous surveillance of risk factors associated with rugby injuries and ways to mitigate such risks.