PATTERN AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AMONG PATIENTS PRESENTING TO WALLAGA UNIVERSITY COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL, ETHIOPIA

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a high burden in low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, TBI accounts for a significant proportion of trauma-related admissions. However, there is limited evidence on pattern of TBI at Wallaga University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Objective: To assess the patterns and factors associated with TBI among patients presenting to Wallaga University Comprehensive Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Medical records of patients presenting with TBI between January 1 and December 31, 2025, were reviewed. A systematic random sampling technique selected 110 patients. Data were collected using a structured checklist. Data analyzed by SPSS version 27. Due to few severe TBI events (n = 11), Firth's penalized logistic regression was used for multivariable analysis. Results: Of 120 patient charts reviewed, 110 (91.7%) were included. Most patients were male (80.0%), mean age 28.9 years. Road traffic accidents were the leading mechanism (53.6%), followed by assault (32.7%) and falls (13.6%). Moderate TBI was most common (79.1%), with severe TBI accounting for 10.0%. Pupillary abnormality was significantly associated with severe TBI: one reactive pupil (AOR = 6.67, 95% CI: 1.32-64.71, p = 0.020) and both pupils non-reactive (AOR = 121.81, 95% CI: 4.36-22416.36, p = 0.006). Hypoxia was also significant (AOR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01-0.58, p = 0.013). Conclusions: TBI at Wallaga University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital predominantly affects young adult males, with road traffic accidents being the leading cause. Pupillary abnormality is a strong predictor of severe TBI. Road safety and violence prevention programs should be prioritized. Keywords: Traumatic brain injury; Patterns; Associated factors; Glasgow Coma Scale; Ethiopia