The sustaining effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the nature and risk factors of trauma.

Publication date: Sep 01, 2026

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the social determinants of health. Previous studies documented changes in traumatic injury patterns during the early pandemic, but few studies examined the subsequent months and years. A retrospective comparative cohort study was conducted comparing trauma volumes, mechanisms, patient characteristics, and outcomes at a Level 1 trauma center in Vancouver, British Columbia prior to, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Both during and after the pandemic, patients were younger, more male predominant, and presenting with higher proportions of deliberate self-harm and violence-related injuries. Younger patients were at increased odds of non-accidental injury. Male patients were at much greater risk of violence-related injury. Although proportions of trauma team activations increased, there was no statistical difference in ICU admissions, length of stay, or mortalities. The COVID-19 pandemic affected trauma presentations in B. C. not only during the pandemic, but also in the subsequent two years. Knowledge of these effects can better inform public health policy, injury prevention initiatives, and system-level performance improvement in healthcare delivery.

Semantics

Original Article